DRYWALL
How Much Does Drywall Cost?
Estimate the cost of drywall installation per square foot — board, labor, finishing and the extras that change the total.
Drywall is priced per square foot of board, but the real number depends on the area, the finishing level and your local labor rate. This guide breaks down the parts and embeds the calculator so you can price a drywall job with real numbers.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Most drywall jobs run $1.50–$3.00 per square foot of material plus $1.00–$2.50/sq ft for hanging and finishing labor. A typical 500 sq ft room costs about $1,200–$2,700 installed. Prices vary by region and finish level.
What drives the cost per square foot
Board cost is the base: standard half-inch gypsum panels are cheap, but moisture-resistant, fire-rated and soundproof boards cost more. Labor depends on how many layers, the ceiling height and the finish level (tapeless, level 4, or premium).
Local labor rates move the total the most — hanging and finishing is measured in hours per panel.
- Total wall and ceiling area
- Board type and thickness
- Number of layers
- Finishing level (taping, texture)
- Ceiling height and accessibility
Price the job by area with waste
Add a waste allowance for cuts and openings, then multiply the area by the combined board and labor rate per square foot.
Use the calculator below with your numbers.
The extras that change the total
Prime and paint, insulation, vapor barriers, and demolition of old drywall are usually separate line items. Stairwells and vaulted ceilings add labor because of height and scaffolding.
Budget like a pro
Get two or three quotes that include materials and finishing. Confirm the finish level in writing, since 'drywall installed' can mean different things to different finishers.