Free Drywall Estimate Template
A complete, line-item drywall estimate you can preview below — 1/2in and 5/8in board, hang, tape and three-coat mud, corner bead, texture, sanding and cleanup — plus a plain-language code checklist covering fire-rated assemblies, water-resistant board and fastener spacing.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2" gypsum board — walls | 2,400 sf | $1,152.00 |
| 5/8" Type X board — garage ceiling | 480 sf | $312.00 |
| Moisture-resistant board — bath | 320 sf | $243.00 |
| Hang labor | 3,200 sf | $1,280.00 |
| Tape & 3-coat mud (Level 4) | 3,200 sf | $1,760.00 |
| Corner bead & trims | 260 lf | $390.00 |
| Knockdown texture — ceilings | 980 sf | $588.00 |
| Sanding, cleanup & debris haul | 1 lot | $420.00 |
| Total | $6,145.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price drywall work
- Measure total board square footage (walls + ceilings), then divide by 32 for 4x8 sheets or 48 for 4x12 sheets and add 10% waste.
- Price hang and finish separately — hang is usually $0.35–0.55/sf and tape/finish $0.45–0.75/sf depending on finish level.
- Add linear-foot lines for corner bead and a per-square-foot line for texture; disposal is always its own item.
Drywall building-code guide
Drywall inspections focus on where fire-rated or water-resistant board is required, how the board is fastened, and whether the finish level matches what the job called for.
- Garage-to-house separation requires minimum 1/2" gypsum on the garage side; 5/8" Type X on ceilings under habitable rooms
- Garage walls supporting a habitable space above must be protected on the garage side floor to ceiling
- Penetrations through a rated assembly must be firestopped with an approved material — spray foam is not automatically approved
- Regular paper-faced gypsum is NOT allowed as a tile backer in tub or shower areas — use cement board, fiber-cement or a listed water-resistant backer
- Water-resistant "green board" may be used on bathroom walls outside the direct shower area, but not on ceilings with framing over 12" o.c.
- Vapor retarders behind tile backer must follow the manufacturer's system — do not double up impermeable layers
- Screws: 16" o.c. on ceilings and 16" o.c. on walls for 1/2" board over 16" o.c. framing (12" for ceilings with heavy texture)
- Fastener heads must be dimpled just below the paper without breaking it — broken paper means no holding power
- Keep board edges 1/4" off the floor and stagger end joints so no four corners meet
- Level 3 — for heavy texture or wall coverings; Level 4 — the standard for flat or eggshell paint
- Level 5 (skim coat) is required for gloss paint or critical raking light; always price it as a separate line
- Ceilings receiving flat paint under natural light almost always need Level 5 — get this in writing before you start
Code quick reference — Drywall
| Item | Requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Board thickness | 1/2in walls, 5/8in ceilings at 24in framing | IRC R702.3 |
| Screw spacing | 12in OC ceilings, 16in OC walls | IRC Table R702.3.5 |
| Garage separation | 1/2in gypsum on garage side, 5/8in Type X under habitable space | IRC R302.6 |
| Wet areas | Cement/fiber backer, not paper-faced gypsum in showers | IRC R702.4 |
| Finish level | Level 4 for flat paint, Level 5 for gloss/critical light | GA-214 |
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Member thickness — Screws 12in OC on ceilings, 16in OC on walls(1.50")
- 2 · On-center spacing — 16in OC framing(16.00" OC)
- 3 · Member length — Plate to plate(8' 0")
- 4 · Overall run — Total covered by this layout(8' 1 8/16")
- On-center spacing: 16.00" · 7 members
- Overall run: 8' 1 8/16" · Member length: 8' 0"
- Screws 12in OC on ceilings, 16in OC on walls
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Paint / texture — Layer in the assembly, drawn top to bottom(0.06")
- 2 · Third coat + sand — feathered 12in+(12.00")
- 3 · Tape + two coats mud — Layer in the assembly, drawn top to bottom(0.06")
- 4 · Gypsum board on framing — 1/2in walls · 5/8in ceilings(0.50")
- Paint / texture: 0.06"
- Third coat + sand: 12.00"
- Tape + two coats mud: 0.06"
- Gypsum board on framing: 0.50"
- Total assembly: 12.63" (1' 0 10/16")
Inspection-day checklistShow
- Fire-rated assemblies photographed before taping.
- Screws set flush, not broken through the paper face.
- Corner bead straight and fastened, no floating edges.
- Backer board and membrane in wet areas before tile.
- Board joints staggered and not landing on window/door corners.
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common drywall estimating mistakes
- Quoting a single $/sf number that hides the finish level, then getting asked for Level 5 at no extra charge.
- Forgetting the 5/8in Type X upgrade on garage ceilings — it fails inspection and costs a full re-hang.
- Not pricing sanding, dust protection and debris haul, which can be 10% of the job on an occupied remodel.
Export a branded, client-ready PDF or send a sign-from-phone link.
Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
IRC Chapter 7 guidance for fire-rated garage separation, wet-area backer board, fastener spacing and finish levels.
Drywall estimate FAQ
What should a drywall estimate include?
A drywall estimate should list board type and square footage, hang labor, tape and mud with the finish level, corner bead, texture, sanding and cleanup, plus a milestone payment schedule.
How much does drywall cost per square foot?
In most U.S. markets hang and finish runs $1.80–$3.00 per square foot of board installed, including materials. Level 5 finish, high ceilings and small patch work push the number higher.
What building codes apply to drywall?
IRC Chapter 7 (R702.3) governs gypsum board application and fastener spacing, R302.6 covers garage fire separation, and R702.4 restricts paper-faced board in wet areas.
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