How Many Drywall Sheets for a Bedroom?
A 12ร12 bedroom needs walls (384 sq ft) plus ceiling (144 sq ft) minus openings โ about 486 sq ft of board. With 4ร8 sheets at 32 sq ft each plus waste, that is 17 sheets, roughly 1,500 screws, and Level-4 compound. Here is the room method contractors use, including the opening deductions most people skip.
Step-by-Step Takeoff
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1
Walls: perimeter 48 ft ร 8 ft = 384; minus 42 sq ft openings = 342 sq ft.
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2
Ceiling: 12 ร 12 = 144 sq ft. Total 486 sq ft รท 32 = 15.2 โ 17 sheets with 10% waste.
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3
Hang ceilings first, then walls; stagger butt joints and keep screws 12 in o.c. on walls, 7 in on ceilings.
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4
Screws: ~90 per sheet at 12 in o.c. โ 1,500 screws.
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5
Tape all joints with paper tape bedded in compound โ mesh only for small patches.
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6
Compound and tape follow finish level โ model it in the Drywall Calculator.
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7
Sand between coats with 120-grit, prime with PVA drywall primer before paint.
Guide FAQ
4ร8 or 4ร12 sheets?
4ร12 halves the butt joints on long walls but needs two people and a drywall lift for ceilings.
How much mud per sheet?
Roughly 1 gallon of joint compound per sheet at Level 4 finish.
How many drywall screws per sheet?
About 90 screws per 4ร8 sheet at standard spacing โ buy the 5 lb box, not the 1 lb.
Can I hang drywall over plaster?
Yes with construction adhesive plus screws into studs โ check flatness first with a 6 ft straightedge.
What causes nail pops?
Undersunk or oversunk fasteners and wet lumber shrinking โ drive screws just dimpled, never torn.
Related Guides
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Drop-method roll count, pattern repeat math, and spare-roll rule for a 12x8 ft accent wall.