Planning Guide • Family-Owned Since 1970 • CSLB #265709
How to Measure Your Space for Drywall
You need area, not a guess. Measure walls and ceilings in feet, convert to square footage, then divide by the sheet size. Or skip the takeoff and text us the rooms.
A Tape Measure Beats a Guess. A Photo Beats Both.
This page is for a rough sheet count. Openings, ceiling height, and waste change the buy. Ron Hogan Drywall has been family-owned since 1970. Send room sizes and photos to (925) 791-9099 and we will quote the hang and finish — not just the board.
1. Measure Each Wall
Height × width = wall square footage.
Example: an 8-foot-high wall that is 10 feet wide is 80 square feet.
2. Subtract Doors and Windows
Opening height × opening width = square feet to subtract.
Example: a 3 × 4-foot window is 12 square feet. That 80-square-foot wall needs about 68 square feet of board. Small cutouts are often left in the count because you still waste a piece around them.
3. Measure the Ceiling
Length × width. A 10 × 12-foot ceiling is 120 square feet. Vaults and trays take more board and more labor than a flat lid. Tray ceilings →
4. Convert Area to Sheets
Common sheets:
- 4 × 8 = 32 square feet
- 4 × 10 = 40 square feet
- 4 × 12 = 48 square feet
Example: 400 square feet ÷ 32 = 12.5 sheets. Round up to 13, then add waste.
5. Add 10–15% Waste
Cuts, bad sheets, and staggered seams use extra board. On 13 sheets, plan 14 or 15. Tight rooms with many openings waste more than a long, blank wall.
Thickness Is Separate From Area
1/2-inch is common on walls. 5/8-inch is common on ceilings and fire-rated assemblies. That choice does not change the square-foot formula. It changes the product on the takeoff. Drywall types →
Skip the Spreadsheet If You Want a Price
1. Send Sizes
Text (925) 791-9099 the city, room sizes, and photos.
2. We Count the Job
Board, finish, and access — not only sheet math.
3. Hang and Finish
Licensed crews. 12-month warranty.
Measuring FAQs
Do I measure in inches or feet?
Feet is easier for square footage. Convert inches to feet first (6 inches = 0.5 feet).
Should I subtract every outlet?
No. Subtract doors and windows. Leave receptacles in the count.
Can you measure it for me?
Yes. Photos plus room sizes are enough for most estimates. A site visit is better on large or cut-up jobs.
Have the Measurements?
Text the room sizes. The family-owned Bay Area crew since 1970 will turn them into a price.
Call / Text (925) 791-9099