Drywall Compound & Tape Calculator
Calculate joint compound and tape for finishing
Project Details
Typically 28-32 screws per sheet
10% recommended
Results
Enter details and click Calculate to see results
CACalifornia Building Code (Title 24)
References & Sources
Standards Cited
- ASTM C475 — Standard Specification for Joint Compound and Joint Tape for Finishing Gypsum Board
Defines joint compound types and performance requirements for drywall finishing - GA-214 — Gypsum Association — Recommended Levels of Gypsum Board Finish
Specifies finish levels (0-5) and corresponding compound application requirements
Formulas Used
- Joint length per sheet:
jointLength = sheetWidth + sheetHeight (accounting for shared edges)
Source: GA-214 — Approximation: ~3.4m per standard NA sheet (4x8 ft / 1219x2438mm) - Compound volume:
compound = (jointLength × jointWidth) / coveragePerLitre × numberOfCoats
Source: Manufacturer coverage data — Joint feathering width ~125mm (5 inches) - Screw pop compound:
screwCompound = numberOfPops × 0.005 litres × numberOfCoats
Source: Industry practice
Key Assumptions
- Joint compound coverage ~1.5 m2 per litre per coat (USG all-purpose) — Manufacturer data (USG, National Gypsum)
- Standard tape roll: 250 ft (76.2 m) — USG / manufacturer standard
- Standard drywall sheet: 4 ft x 8 ft (1219 x 2438 mm) — ASTM C1396