Drywall Cost in 2026: Per Square Foot, Per Sheet, and Sheet Count
Updated 2026-10-14. All figures were checked on that date.
Short answer: hung, taped and finished to a standard Level 4 (paint-ready) finish, drywall costs about $1.50–$3.50 per square foot of board (DrywallInstallationCost.com; Angi puts it at $1.50–$3, Angi, as of 2026-10-14). Note that's per square foot of board (walls + ceiling), not floor area.
Calculator
Method: board area = perimeter × height + ceiling. Sheets include 10% waste and don't subtract openings (cutoffs around doors and windows are usually scrap). Cost uses the finish-level ranges below.
Installed cost by finish level
| Scope | $/sq ft of board |
|---|---|
| Hang only (Level 0) | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Hang + Level 2 (tile backer) | $0.95–$1.75 |
| Hang + Level 3 (heavy texture) | $1.20–$2.20 |
| Hang + Level 4 (residential standard) | $1.50–$3.50 |
| Hang + Level 5 (full skim) | $2.05–$4.70 |
Source: DrywallInstallationCost.com, as of 2026-10-14.
By job type
| Job | $/sq ft |
|---|---|
| New construction, open framing | $1.50–$3.00 |
| Remodel / addition | $2.50–$4.50 |
| Basement finishing | $1.75–$3.50 |
| Ceilings, standard height | $2.00–$3.80 |
| Vaulted / high ceilings | $3.00–$5.00+ |
| Bathroom (moisture-resistant board) | $2.00–$4.00 |
| Old drywall removal | $0.50–$2.50 |
Source: Drywall Pro Center, as of 2026-10-14.
Materials and the DIY math
A standard ½" 4×8 sheet runs about $14–$20, and board plus mud, tape, screws and corner bead comes to roughly $0.55–$0.95/sq ft (CostToUpgrade, as of 2026-10-14). Labor is about 70% of a pro job (Angi).
The best DIY split for most people is to hang it yourself and hire out the finishing. Hanging is heavy but forgiving; taping and sanding to a flat Level 4 is the skill. Finish-only labor for Level 4 runs about $0.55–$0.80/sq ft (DrywallInstallationCost.com, as of 2026-10-14).
Tips that change the number
- Use 4×12 sheets on walls where you can get them in. Fewer joints means less taping. The calculator lets you compare sheet counts.
- Garages next to living space usually need ⅝" Type X fire-rated board. Check your local code.
- Bathrooms: use moisture-resistant board. Behind tile in showers, use cement board or a foam backer, not drywall.
- Level 5 is only worth paying for under gloss paint or strong raking light.