Drywall Screw Calculator

How many drywall screws do I need?

sheets
Sheet length
Location
Framing spacing

Order this much of 1-1/4 in coarse drywall screws

3pounds

Uses the common residential maximum spacing of 12 in on ceilings and 16 in on walls, plus 10% for drops. About 238 screws per pound for #6 × 1-1/4 in. Confirm against local code and the board maker.

7 lines × 4 = 28 per sheet · 16 in apart16 in framing20 sheets
Screws per sheet28
Total with 10% extra616
Spacing along framing16 in

Counts screws from the actual framing layout rather than a flat per-sheet guess, and turns that into pounds.

How it works

Sheet length ÷ framing spacing plus one gives framing lines. Each line gets screws at 12 in on ceilings or 16 in on walls. Add 10% and divide by about 238 per pound.

Before you order

  • Set the screw just below the paper without tearing it. A dimpler bit makes that automatic.
  • Use coarse thread for wood studs and fine thread for steel.
  • Sink a screw that misses and add another; don't leave strays that pop later.

Common questions

How many screws per sheet of drywall?

A 4 × 8 on 16 in framing takes about 28 on walls and 35 on ceilings at these spacings. Local code or the board maker can require more.

What length screw should I buy?

For 1/2 in drywall on wood framing, 1-1/4 in coarse thread is the common choice. Thicker board needs longer screws.