How many plasterboard sheets do I need per m²?

A standard 2400x1200mm board covers 2.88m². With 10% wastage, you need roughly 0.38 boards per m², or about 1 board per 2.6m² of wall. For 3000x1200mm boards (3.6m² each), you need roughly 1 board per 3.27m².

What thickness plasterboard should I use?

12.5mm is the standard thickness for most walls and ceilings. Use 9.5mm for ceilings where weight is a concern or for curved surfaces. Use 15mm for enhanced fire resistance (30-minute rating) or where additional sound insulation is needed.

How many screws do I need per plasterboard sheet?

At standard 300mm screw spacing, you need approximately 28-32 screws per 2400x1200mm board. Screws should be placed at 300mm centres around the perimeter and along any intermediate supports. Use 25mm screws for 9.5mm board, 32mm for 12.5mm, and 38mm for 15mm board.

What is nogging and when do I need it?

Nogging is horizontal timber bracing between studs. It provides support at plasterboard sheet joints and for fixing heavy items like shelves or TVs. Typically installed at mid-height on walls and at the horizontal board joints on ceilings. Use 38x63mm or 38x89mm CLS timber to match your stud size.

TradeCalculator

Plasterboard Calculator — Sheets for Walls & Ceilings

Calculate plasterboard sheets, joint tape, filler, screws, and nogging for drylining walls and ceilings. Supports standard and custom board sizes.

Wall / Ceiling Area

Total area to be boarded

Board Size

Board Thickness

Select the board thickness for your calculation

How We Calculate This

This calculator divides your total wall or ceiling area by the area of each plasterboard sheet, then adds a wastage allowance for cutting and fitting. It also calculates ancillary materials based on industry-standard application rates.

Material rates

Joint tape: ~1.8m per board (two long edge joints)
Jointing compound: ~0.4kg per m² (taping and two finish coats)
Screws: 300mm centres on all supports and perimeters
Nogging: 600mm horizontal bracing between studs per board

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.