How Much Does Drywall Cost?
Standard drywall (4×8 sheet) runs about $14 per sheet in 2026 — $18 for a 4×12. A typical bedroom takes 20–30 sheets plus joint compound and fasteners. The table and calculator below help you price a room from scratch.
Average prices by region
National-average material prices adjusted by region. Updated 2026-06-20. Estimates only — not quotes.
| Material | National | Northeast | South | Midwest | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall 4×8 / sheet | $14.00 | $16.10 | $12.88 | $13.58 | $15.68 |
| Drywall 4×12 / sheet | $18.00 | $20.70 | $16.56 | $17.46 | $20.16 |
| Joint compound (4.5 gal) / box | $50.00 | $57.50 | $46.00 | $48.50 | $56.00 |
What affects the price
- Sheet size — 4×12 costs more per sheet but covers more wall with fewer seams and less labor.
- Thickness — ½″ standard; ⅝″ fire-rated costs slightly more.
- Joint compound, tape, corner bead, and fasteners add to the material total.
- Labor typically runs $1.50–$3.50 per square foot for hang, tape, and finish.
Estimate your project
Enter your dimensions to get a quantity and cost estimate. For the full tool, open the Drywall Calculator .
Project inputs
How this is calculated
- Wall area = 2 × (12 ft + 12 ft) × 8 ft = 384 ft²
- Ceiling area = 12 ft × 12 ft = 144 ft²
- Total area = 528 ft²
- Sheets = ⌈528 ft² ÷ 32 ft² + 10% waste⌉ = 19
- Joint compound = ⌈19 ÷ 19⌉ = 1 box(es)
Sheet count includes the waste factor and rounds up to whole sheets.
Joint compound and screws are rough estimates — buy a little extra to avoid a second trip.
The math
National-average prices, adjusted by region. Edit any unit price to match a local quote. Estimate only.
How we estimate these prices
National-average prices from home-center listings, adjusted by region. Sheet prices exclude installation, taping, and painting. Confirm with your local supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How much does drywall cost per sheet? ⌄
Standard ½″ 4×8 drywall sheets average about $14 each in 2026 at national home centers. 4×12 sheets run about $18. Prices vary by region — the Northeast runs 10–15% higher; the South roughly 8% lower.
How many sheets of drywall do I need for a room? ⌄
Divide total wall area (perimeter × height) by 32 sq ft for 4×8 sheets, then subtract doors and windows. Add 10–15% for waste and cuts. Our drywall calculator does this automatically.
How much does it cost to drywall a 12×12 room? ⌄
A 12×12 room with 8-foot ceilings needs about 22–26 sheets of drywall plus joint compound. Material cost runs roughly $350–$450. Add $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft for hanging and finishing labor.
Is joint compound included in drywall cost? ⌄
No. Joint compound, tape, corner bead, and screws are sold separately. A 4.5-gallon box of joint compound averages about $50. Budget an extra $50–$100 in materials per room.