How many sheets of drywall for a 12×12 room?
Quick Answer
A 12×12 room with 8-foot ceilings needs approximately 16–18 sheets of 4×8 drywall for walls and ceiling combined, including 10% waste. The four walls cover 384 sq ft and the ceiling covers 144 sq ft — 528 total sq ft gross, minus openings. Each 4×8 sheet covers 32 sq ft.
Quick Reference Table
| Room Size (8 ft ceiling) | 4×8 Sheets (walls + ceiling) |
|---|---|
| 10×10 ft | 14–16 sheets |
| 12×12 ft | 16–18 sheets |
| 12×15 ft | 19–21 sheets |
| 14×14 ft | 19–22 sheets |
| 15×20 ft | 24–27 sheets |
| 20×20 ft | 30–34 sheets |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Calculate wall area: perimeter × height. For 12×12 at 8 ft: (12+12+12+12) × 8 = 384 sq ft.
- 2
Calculate ceiling area: 12 × 12 = 144 sq ft.
- 3
Subtract openings: 1 door (21 sq ft) + 2 windows (30 sq ft) = 51 sq ft. Net area: 384 + 144 − 51 = 477 sq ft.
- 4
Add 10% waste: 477 × 1.10 = 525 sq ft. Divide by 32 (sq ft per 4×8 sheet) = 16.4 → order 17 sheets.
Pro Tip
For ceilings, use 4×12 sheets instead of 4×8 — fewer seams means less taping and a flatter finished surface. A 12-foot room hits the perfect width with no waste on 4×12 sheets.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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