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Drywall Installation & Repair Cost Calculator
Can I DIY? · DIY-FriendlyCalculate the cost of new drywall installation or repairing damaged drywall. See your total cost range, cost per square foot, and an itemized breakdown.
Educational calculators — always consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
New installation and repair have very different cost structures.
Hanging, taping, finishing, and sanding new drywall — ready for paint.
For new installation, this is your room's square footage. For repairs, it's the total damaged area.
Select the option that applies. Texture matching, popcorn removal, and primer all add to the total.
No additional add-ons — just the drywall work itself.
Total cost range
$300 – $700
200 sq ft — New Installation, including all selected options
Cost breakdown
Based on
Estimates reflect national averages for educational purposes only. Material prices and labor rates vary by region. Always get 2–3 quotes before proceeding.
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What you'll need
- ·Job type (new installation, small repair, or large repair)
- ·Affected square footage (room size for new installs, damaged area for repairs)
- ·Whether you need texture matching, popcorn ceiling removal, or a primer coat
What you'll get
- ✓Total cost range — Full job cost including all selected add-ons
- ✓Cost per square foot — Blended rate across the whole job
- ✓Itemized breakdown — Drywall labor/material, texture, popcorn removal, primer
Drywall cost overview
How it works
Select your job type
New installation, a small repair, or a large repair such as water damage.
Enter affected square footage
The size of the room to install, or the area of damage to repair.
Add finishing extras
Texture matching, popcorn ceiling removal, or a paint-ready primer coat.
Drywall Cost by Job Type
| Job Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| New installation | $1.50 – $3.50 / sq ft |
| Small repair (patch) | $75 – $150 base + $2–$5 / sq ft beyond 2 sq ft |
| Large repair (water damage) | $1 – $3 / sq ft |
Texture matching and popcorn ceiling removal are common add-ons that keep repairs blending in with existing walls.
Frequently asked questions
How much does drywall installation cost?+
New drywall installation costs $1.50–$3.50 per square foot, including hanging, taping, finishing, and sanding to a paint-ready surface. A typical 200 sq ft room runs $300–$700, while a full-house installation of 2,000+ sq ft can run $3,000–$7,000 or more depending on ceiling height and finish level.
How much does it cost to patch a hole in drywall?+
Patching a small hole or crack under 2 feet typically costs $75–$150 as a base service fee, which covers the minimum trip and materials. Larger or multiple small patches add roughly $2–$5 per additional square foot of damaged area beyond the first 2 sq ft.
Can I repair drywall myself?+
Small nail holes, hairline cracks, and minor dents are DIY-friendly with spackle or a patch kit costing $10–$30. Larger holes, water-damaged sections, or repairs requiring texture matching are harder to blend seamlessly and are usually worth hiring a pro for, especially if the wall will be viewed in direct light.
How much does it cost to repair water-damaged drywall?+
Water-damaged drywall repair costs $1–$3 per square foot, plus a complexity premium since damaged sections often require cutting out compromised material, checking for mold, and matching existing texture. A typical water-damaged section (10–30 sq ft) runs $150–$600, not including any mold remediation.
What's the difference between drywall and plaster repair cost?+
Plaster repair typically costs more than drywall repair — often 20–50% higher — because plaster requires specialized skills, longer drying/curing times between coats, and more labor-intensive keying to the underlying lath. Drywall repair is faster and uses more standardized materials, keeping costs lower.
How long does drywall repair take to dry before painting?+
Joint compound typically needs 24 hours per coat to dry, and most repairs use 2–3 coats, so plan on 2–3 days before sanding is complete. After sanding, primer should dry for a few hours before painting. Humid climates or thick patches may need extra drying time.
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Back to the calculator ↑Drywall Installation & Repair Calculator is built and maintained by the RealCostIQ editorial team. Cost ranges and rates are checked against published industry data and contractor quotes, and revised when the underlying figures move. Read our data methodology or more about who builds this. Every calculation runs in your browser — no account, and none of your inputs are stored.
Cost ranges and rates here are checked against contractor quotes and published industry data. If a number still looks off, email Support@RealCostIQ.com and we'll review and fix it.