Drywall Installation Cost Calculator
Estimate drywall installation cost to hang and finish standard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated or soundproof drywall. Get a low, typical and high price per sq ft.
Estimated total
- Low
- $1,500
- Typical
- $2,250
- High
- $3,250
$2.25 per sq ft all-in (range $1.50–$3.25)
Where the money goes (typical)
- Materials
- $563 (25%)
- Labor
- $1,688 (75%)
Line items (typical)
| Standard 1/2 in | $2,250 |
For most walls and ceilings in living areas.
General U.S. estimates for installed cost, not quotes. We compared them with HomeGuide's range for hang and finish (about $1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft) and Angi's finish-level figures. Prices reviewed November 2026. Get at least three local quotes before you commit.
Drywall contractors price by the square foot of board hung, which covers the panels, screws, tape, joint compound and the labor to hang, tape, mud and sand. The finish level you ask for has a big effect on labor, since each extra coat means another trip and more sanding.
Enter the total wall and ceiling area, choose the type of drywall and the finish level. The estimator shows the typical range and how much of it is labor, which is usually most of the bill.
How the drywall installation cost estimate works
- Enter the drywall area (walls + ceilings) in square feet.
- Multiply it by the installed price per sq ft for the material you chose.
- Adjust for finish level, ceiling height and your local cost level.
- Add the extras you ticked, such as removal, and any permit fee.
- Show the result as a low, typical and high total, split into materials, labor and fees.
For each room, multiply the perimeter by the wall height and add the ceiling area. A 12 × 12 ft room with 8 ft walls has 384 sq ft of walls and 144 sq ft of ceiling, 528 sq ft in total. Don't subtract doors and windows.
Drywall Installation Cost by material
| Material | Installed per sq ft | Labor share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1/2 in | $1.50–$3.25 | 75% | For most walls and ceilings in living areas. |
| Moisture-resistant (bathrooms, laundry) | $1.75–$3.60 | 70% | Green or purple board for humid rooms. Not a substitute for cement board in showers. |
| Fire-rated 5/8 in Type X | $1.85–$3.85 | 70% | Required on garage walls and ceilings shared with the house. |
| Soundproof drywall | $3.50–$7.00 | 45% | Damped panels for home theaters, bedrooms and shared walls. |
Drywall Installation Cost by size
Typical total with the low–high range below it. Assumes level 4 (smooth, standard); up to 9 ft; average u.s..
| Drywall area (walls + ceilings) | Standard 1/2 in | Moisture-resistant (bathrooms, laundry) | Fire-rated 5/8 in Type X | Soundproof drywall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $1,150$750–$1,650 | $1,300$900–$1,800 | $1,400$950–$1,950 | $2,500$1,750–$3,500 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $2,250$1,500–$3,250 | $2,600$1,750–$3,600 | $2,750$1,850–$3,850 | $5,000$3,500–$7,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,500$3,000–$6,500 | $5,200$3,500–$7,200 | $5,500$3,700–$7,700 | $10,000$7,000–$14,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $6,750$4,500–$9,750 | $7,800$5,250–$10,800 | $8,250$5,550–$11,550 | $15,000$10,500–$21,000 |
| 4,000 sq ft | $9,000$6,000–$13,000 | $10,400$7,000–$14,400 | $11,000$7,400–$15,400 | $20,000$14,000–$28,000 |
What affects drywall installation cost
- Finish level. Level 4 is standard for painted walls. Level 5 adds a skim coat over the whole surface for flawless walls under strong light, and costs about a third more.
- Ceilings and height. Ceilings and walls over 10 feet need lifts and scaffolding and take longer to hang and finish.
- Board type. Moisture-resistant and fire-rated boards cost a little more than standard. Soundproof panels cost several times more.
- Removal and repairs. Tearing out old drywall or plaster adds demolition and disposal. Small patch jobs are priced per repair, not per square foot.
- Job size. Small rooms cost more per square foot because setup, travel and drying time are spread over less area.
Frequently asked questions
How much does drywall installation cost?
Hanging and finishing 1,000 square feet of standard drywall typically costs $1,500 to $3,250, which is roughly two average rooms. Larger jobs cost less per square foot.
How much does it cost to drywall a 12x12 room?
A 12 × 12 room with 8 foot walls has about 528 square feet of walls and ceiling, so expect roughly $800 to $1,700 to hang and finish it with standard board.
How much does drywall cost per square foot installed?
Standard drywall usually costs $1.50 to $3.25 per square foot to hang and finish. Fire-rated and moisture-resistant board add a little; soundproof drywall can reach $7.
What are drywall finish levels?
Level 0 is hung only and Level 5 is a full skim coat. Level 3 suits heavy texture, Level 4 is standard for flat or eggshell paint, and Level 5 is for glossy paint or harsh light.
About these figures
General U.S. estimates for installed cost, not quotes. We compared them with HomeGuide's range for hang and finish (about $1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft) and Angi's finish-level figures. Last reviewed November 2026. Your price depends on your home, your region and the contractor, so treat this as a budget range and compare it with written quotes.