How Much Does a Sheet of Drywall Weigh?

Estimate your drywall weight before tackling a project

Empty room interior with gypsum board ceiling
Photo: Kwangmoozaa / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Empty room interior with gypsum board ceiling
Photo: Kwangmoozaa / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
  • A standard-sized drywall sheet weighs 50 pounds on average.

  • However, drywall weights commonly range between 30 and 90 pounds.

  • The weight of drywall panels depends on several factors, including the panel’s thickness, size, and type.

  • Due to drywall’s heavy weight and bulky size, you should hire a pro for installation.

  • On average, drywall installation projects cost $2,100.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Drywall comes with plenty of benefits, but one of the drawbacks is that it’s fairly heavy and difficult to lug around, which is important to consider if you’re planning a DIY drywall installation. So, just how much does a sheet of drywall weigh? Let’s look at the most common weights for different drywall thicknesses.

How Much Does Drywall Weigh?

Drywall doesn’t just come in different thicknesses and sizes. It comes in various weights, too.

Dimensions in FeetThickness in InchesAverage Weight in Pounds
4x8 1/4 34
4x8 3/8 38
4x8 1/2 39
4x8 5/8 70
4x10 1/249
4x12 1/259
4x161/280

Factors That Impact Drywall Weight

Stack of gypsum board
Photo: OlgaVolodina / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

There are a few factors that impact the weight of a drywall sheet, including its thickness, dimensions, and type.

Drywall Thickness and Dimensions

There are several standard drywall thicknesses:

  • 1/4 inches

  • 3/8 inches

  • 1/2 inches (the most common)

  • 5/8 inches

Drywall panels also come in multiple sizes. They’re often 4 feet wide, with heights ranging between 8 and 16 feet. The most common dimensions are 4 by 8 feet, but the standard sizes are: 

  • 4 by 8 feet

  • 4 by 10 feet

  • 4 by 12 feet

  • 4 by 14 feet

  • 4 by 16 feet

As you might expect, thicker and larger drywall panels weigh more than thinner and smaller ones. 

Drywall Type

The type of drywall can also affect its weight. Lightweight drywall, for example, is 25% lighter than standard drywall.

How Does Drywall Installation Work?

There are multiple steps involved in installing drywall, including hanging it, taping and mudding the seams, and sanding. If you hire a professional crew, installing drywall takes a few days for an individual room or basement. For a 2,000-square-foot house, you can expect the project to take a week.

Pro Tip

Square footage is a key factor in determining drywall installation costs, but it's not the only factor. Drywall companies consider how long it takes to complete the job, the location of damage and framing conditions, and if other repairs are needed—especially if water damage is involved.

Brand President of The Patch Boys

 — Ann Arbor, MI

On average, professional drywall installation costs between $990 and $3,200. Your price will depend on the type and thickness of the drywall, level of finish, local labor rates, and other factors. Drywall projects are labor-intensive, so hiring a local drywall pro is safer than DIYing unless you already have experience in drywall installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it’s possible to hang drywall by yourself, but it can be challenging (and more expensive). Without an extra set of hands, you’ll need to invest in a drywall lift to position the heavy drywall sheets on the wall. You can buy one of these drywall tools for a few hundred dollars at your nearest home improvement store.

You should always work from top to bottom when hanging drywall. There are a few reasons for this. For one, starting at the top makes it easier to create a straight wall between the ceiling and the wall. Plus, moving downward lets you avoid any awkward gaps at the top. It’s easier to deal with gaps at the bottom because you can cut the drywall to fit the space or cover the gap with baseboard trim.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to drywall services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Worker applying venetian plaster finish on the wall
Apr 15, 2025
Apr 15, 2025
Drywall texture can create an attractive finish and add dimension to your home’s walls. This guide breaks down the factors that influence the cost to texture drywall.
A sunny living space with white walls
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
The cost to replace plaster with drywall can quickly add up. This guide will help you budget for this project and decide if it's worth the effort and cost.
The interior of a scandinavian living room with a mounted TV unit
Mar 19, 2025
Mar 19, 2025
The average TV mount installation cost typically falls between $157 and $359, depending on your wall type, and the size, weight, and mount type of your TV.
construction worker doing a drywall inspection
Jun 14, 2025
Jun 14, 2025
Use this pre-drywall inspection checklist to catch issues early and avoid costly repairs later. Build smarter with this must-have guide.
Man applying mud to sheetrock
Apr 14, 2025
Apr 14, 2025
Finding the right drywall contractor is key for any successful drywall project. Use these tips to find the perfect drywall pro for your next repair or installation.
Woman putties at crack in wall
Apr 16, 2025
Apr 16, 2025
Some types of drywall cracks are normal, but others are warning signs that something is wrong. Learn more so you can act quickly.