Plasterboard Calculator
Last updated: 12 August 2026
Work out how many plasterboard sheets you need for a wall or ceiling, plus the screws, scrim tape and jointing compound to go with them. Covers all standard UK board sizes.
How the calculation works
We divide the area to be boarded by the sheet area, then add 10% for cuts and offcuts around openings. Boarding both sides of a stud partition doubles the area.
Fixings assume roughly 30 screws per sheet at 300mm centres on studs and 200mm on ceilings. Scrim tape allows about 1.5 metres per square metre of board, and jointing compound about 0.4kg per square metre for taping and filling — skim plastering needs separate materials.
Plasterboard sheet sizes and coverage
| Sheet size | Coverage | Sheets per 10 m² |
|---|---|---|
| 2400 × 1200mm | 2.88 m² | 4 sheets |
| 3000 × 1200mm | 3.60 m² | 3 sheets |
| 1800 × 900mm | 1.62 m² | 7 sheets |
Standard board is 12.5mm thick for walls and ceilings; 9.5mm is used for ceilings at close joist centres. Moisture-resistant (green) board goes in bathrooms and kitchens, and fire-rated (pink) board where 30 or 60 minute resistance is required.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard sheet of plasterboard?
The most common UK plasterboard sheet is 2400 x 1200mm, covering 2.88 square metres. 3000 x 1200mm and handy-sized 1800 x 900mm boards are also widely stocked.
How many plasterboard sheets do I need for a room?
Measure the total wall and ceiling area, subtract openings, then divide by 2.88 for standard sheets and add 10% for cuts. A typical 4m x 3m room with 2.4m ceilings needs roughly 12 wall sheets plus 5 ceiling sheets.
How many screws per sheet of plasterboard?
Allow around 30 screws per 2400 x 1200mm sheet — fixings at roughly 300mm centres on walls and 200mm on ceilings. A 1000-screw box covers about 33 sheets.
What thickness of plasterboard should I use?
12.5mm is standard for walls and ceilings in UK domestic work. 9.5mm is sometimes used on ceilings with joists at 400mm centres. Use moisture-resistant board in bathrooms and fire-rated board where regulations require it.
How much jointing compound do I need?
Allow roughly 0.4kg of jointing compound per square metre of board for taping and filling joints, so a 10 square metre wall needs about 4kg. Full skim plastering is a separate calculation based on plaster coverage.
Related calculators
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Studs, plates, noggins and total timber for a partition wall.
Plaster Calculator
Bags of multi-finish, bonding or hardwall plaster.
Paint Calculator
Litres of paint for walls and ceilings, by room size and coats.
Estimates are for guidance only. Material dimensions, densities and coverage vary by supplier — always confirm quantities before ordering, and consult a qualified professional for structural work.