Estimate ceiling area and the drywall sheets or ceiling tiles to cover it. Enter the ceiling size and pick a material.
Ceiling Area
— sq ft
Ceiling square footage.Usage Tip
For a drop ceiling, plan the grid so border tiles on opposite sides are equal and as large as possible — it looks intentional and avoids visible slivers.
THE MATH
Ceiling area = Length × Width
With waste = Area × (1 + waste%)
Sheets or tiles = round up (area with waste ÷ panel size)
With waste = Area × (1 + waste%)
Sheets or tiles = round up (area with waste ÷ panel size)
A flat ceiling has the same area as the floor below it. Drywall comes in 4 × 8 ft sheets (32 sq ft); drop-ceiling tiles are commonly 2 × 2 ft (4 sq ft) or 2 × 4 ft (8 sq ft).
For paint, the area is what matters — take it to the paint-coverage calculator for gallons.
For paint, the area is what matters — take it to the paint-coverage calculator for gallons.
For a flat ceiling the area equals the room floor area. Sloped, vaulted, or cathedral ceilings are larger — measure along the slope, not across the floor.
Drop ceilings also need grid (main tees and cross tees) and edge molding sized to the room; this estimates the panels only.
Add extra for cuts at the edges and around light fixtures, vents, and fans.
Drop ceilings also need grid (main tees and cross tees) and edge molding sized to the room; this estimates the panels only.
Add extra for cuts at the edges and around light fixtures, vents, and fans.