How much does a bundle of drywall weigh?
A bundle of drywall is 2 sheets taped face to face. Two 4 × 8 sheets of 1/2 in regular board weigh about 102 pounds; lightweight board about 80 pounds.
How to work it out
- 4×8: 32 sq ft × 1.6 lb/sq ft = 51.2 lb per sheet
- × 2 sheets = 102 lb
Drywall comes off the truck and the store rack in bundles of two: the sheets are taped together face to face to protect the finished side. USG’s UltraLight submittal sheet lists “2 panels per bundle”, and the same pairing is standard across board types.
Adjust for your project
- Total weight
- 102 lb (46.4 kg)
- Area per sheet
- 32 sq ft
- Total area
- 64 sq ft
- Bundles (2 sheets each)
- 1 bundle
- Weight per area
- 1.6 lb/sq ft
- Weight figure: National Gypsum Gold Bond 1/2 in regular. Manufacturers give these as approximate, for design and shipping; damp board weighs more.
- Check what your vehicle and its tires are rated to carry before loading; yards deliver and stock board for a reason.
Weight per sheet by board (same size)
| Board | Weight per sheet | Total weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 in | 38.4 lb | 76.8 lb |
| 3/8 in | 44.8 lb | 89.6 lb |
| 1/2 in | 51.2 lb | 102 lb |
| 1/2 in lightweight | 40 lb | 80 lb |
| 1/2 in Type C | 64 lb | 128 lb |
| 5/8 in Type X | 70.4 lb | 141 lb |
| 5/8 in Type C | 73.6 lb | 147 lb |
What a bundle weighs
- 1/2 in regular 4 × 8: 102.4 lb per bundle (64 sq ft at 1.6).
- 1/2 in lightweight 4 × 8: 80 lb (at 1.25).
- 5/8 in Type X 4 × 8: 140.8 lb. 4 × 12: 211 lb.
- 1/2 in regular 4 × 12: 153.6 lb.
Separate the pair by peeling the end tape, then carry one sheet at a time. Larger units, called lifts or bunks, are stacks of bundles banded together for forklifts; how many sheets go in one varies by plant, thickness and length, so ask the supplier if you are ordering by the unit. USG’s handling guidance limits stacks of gypsum board to 17 ft high and asks that floors be checked for the load.
Per-sheet figures are on how much does a 4x8 sheet of drywall weigh and how much does 5/8 drywall weigh. To count the bundles for a room, start with how many sheets of drywall for a 12x12 room: 18 sheets is 9 bundles.
Different size? Use the full Drywall Weight Calculator.
What you’ll need
- Drywall panel liftPremium price
Holds a full sheet against the ceiling while you screw it off. For one person hanging a ceiling, it’s close to essential.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab) - Snap-off utility knife and bladesBudget price
Wallpaper and drywall both reward a fresh blade. Snap often.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab) - Drywall T-square (48 in)Budget price
Scores a full-width sheet square in one pass. USG’s tool list includes a 4 ft straightedge or T-square.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links to products are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra and help keep these calculators free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bundle of lightweight drywall weigh?
About 80 pounds for two 4 × 8 sheets.
How much does a bundle of 5/8 drywall weigh?
About 141 pounds for two 4 × 8 sheets of Type X.
Other common sizes
- How much does a 4x8 sheet of drywall weigh — 51.2 lb (1/2 in regular; 40 lb lightweight)
- How much does a 4x12 sheet of drywall weigh — 76.8 lb (1/2 in regular; 60 lb lightweight)
- How much does 5/8 drywall weigh — 70.4 lb per 4×8 sheet (Type X)
- How many square feet in a 4x8 sheet of drywall — 32 sq ft
Sources
- USG, Wallboard catalog (WB2816) (opens in a new tab) — Approximate weights for design and shipping: 1/4 in 1.2, 3/8 in 1.4, 1/2 in UltraLight 1.25, 1/2 in Firecode C 2.0, 5/8 in Firecode X 2.2 lb/sq ft; 48 and 54 in widths. Moisture- and mold-resistant (Mold Tough) panels: “when risk of moisture exposure is present, choose products and systems that offer adequate resistance against mold growth.”
- USG, Sheetrock Brand UltraLight Panels submittal sheet (09250) (opens in a new tab) — 1/2 in panels, 48 in wide in 8–16 ft lengths; 1.2–1.4 lb/sq ft; 2 panels per bundle.
- National Gypsum, Gold Bond Brand Gypsum Board submittal (opens in a new tab) — Nominal weights 1/4 in 1.1, 3/8 in 1.3, 1/2 in 1.6 lb/sq ft; 4 ft wide, 8–16 ft long.
- National Gypsum, Gold Bond Brand Fire-Shield Gypsum Board technical information (opens in a new tab) — Nominal weights: 1/2 in Fire-Shield C 1.9, 5/8 in Fire-Shield (Type X) 2.2, 5/8 in Fire-Shield C 2.3 lb/sq ft.