Drywall & Metal Stud Calculator
Panels, studs, track, screws, tape and mud for one wall.
How it works
Panel area is the wall less openings, multiplied by boarded sides and layers. Waste is added before dividing by the selected 4 ft panel and rounding up. Studs are laid out at 16 or 24 in on center with an end stud at each side; each opening adds two jamb studs.
Track covers the floor and ceiling runs. Screw spacing follows a representative GA-216 wall layout, while tape and ready-mix compound follow published US estimating rates. Headers, cripple studs, corners, rated assemblies and backing for cabinets still require the selected system detail.
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How the Drywall & Metal Stud Calculator works
This US drywall calculator estimates 4 ft panels, metal studs, track, screws, joint tape and ready-mix compound for one straight wall. It uses US panel sizes and 16/24 in framing profiles rather than converted metric stock.
US panels and framing are their own market profiles
The sheet selector uses 4 × 8, 4 × 10 and 4 × 12 ft panels. Studs are laid out at 16 or 24 in on center, with both end studs included. Twenty-four-inch spacing is not a universal substitute for 16 in: use it only where the selected panel and wall assembly permit it.
Board area is the wall less openings, multiplied by boarded sides and layers. Each opening adds two jamb studs, but headers, cripple studs and load-specific reinforcement need the actual opening dimensions and the chosen framing detail.
Fastener spacing changes with framing spacing
GA-216 permits wall screws up to 16 in on center where framing is 16 in on center, while framing at 24 in on center uses screws no more than 12 in apart. The calculator turns those layouts into an approximate screw rate for the selected profile and applies it to every board layer.
A rated or tested assembly can call for tighter edge spacing, different screw lengths or a separate schedule for base and face layers. Treat the screw result as a purchasing estimate, not a replacement for the assembly instructions.
Tape and mud are based on finished panel area
CGC/USG's estimating table uses about 37 ft of joint tape and 1 gallon of all-purpose compound per 100 ft² of panels. The calculator applies those rates to the outer finished layer and adds the selected allowance; inner layers add panels and screws, not another finish coat.
Compound coverage varies widely with corners, bead, tools and finishing level. The result is ready-mix gallons for planning. A skim coat over the entire wall is a different operation and must be estimated separately.
FAQ
How many 4 × 8 drywall panels cover a 20 × 8 ft wall?expand_more
Subtract a 21 ft² doorway from 160 ft², then board both sides: 278 ft². With ten percent waste that is 305.8 ft². Divide by 32 ft² and round up: 10 panels.
How many studs and track pieces does that wall need?expand_more
At 16 in on center, a 20 ft wall needs 16 base studs including both ends, plus two jamb studs for the doorway: 18 total. Floor and ceiling track with waste is 44 ft, or 5 pieces of 10 ft track.
How much tape and joint compound should I buy?expand_more
For 278 ft² of finished panel surface plus ten percent allowance, the profile estimates about 113 ft of tape and 3.1 gallons of ready-mix compound. Corners, bead and finish level can raise actual compound use.