How this calculator works
The calculator multiplies drywall area by finish coats to estimate coat area. Compound gallons are coat area divided by coverage per gallon, with waste added. Bucket count is rounded up from gallons divided by bucket size. Tape rolls use a quick planning rule based on drywall area and tape coverage.
Example: 1,000 square feet of drywall with three coats creates 3,000 square feet of coat area. At 125 square feet per gallon and 10% waste, the estimate is 26.4 gallons, or 6 buckets at 4.5 gallons each.