Drywall Finish Level
Estimator
Reconcile a measured area against your own board, waste, productivity, labor-rate, material-cost, and markup assumptions.
Who it's for: drywall contractors and estimators building a bid scenario before construction, from measured area and verified productivity.
Published benchmarks
Published interior fit-out costs for context. These are whole fit-out figures per square foot, not drywall finish rates; use them to sanity-check a bid, not as an input.
| Benchmark | Value | Unit | Edition | Scope | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office fit-out, baseline quality | 275 | $/sf | Q1 2026 | US and Canada, regional average | JLL U.S. and Canada Office Fit-Out Costs Guide 2026 | |
| Office fit-out, medium quality | 295 | $/sf | Q1 2026 | US and Canada, regional average | JLL U.S. and Canada Office Fit-Out Costs Guide 2026 | |
| Office fit-out, high quality | 340 | $/sf | Q1 2026 | US and Canada, regional average | JLL U.S. and Canada Office Fit-Out Costs Guide 2026 | |
| Office fit-out, medium quality, all layouts (range) | 295 (230–375) | $/sf | Q1 2026 | US and Canada, regional average | JLL U.S. and Canada Office Fit-Out Costs Guide 2026 | |
| Office fit-out hard cost, most expensive US markets | 219 | $/sf | 2025 | San Jose / San Francisco, CA | Cushman & Wakefield Office Fit Out Cost Guide 2025 (Americas) | |
| Office fit-out hard cost | 213 | $/sf | 2025 | New York City, NY | Cushman & Wakefield Office Fit Out Cost Guide 2025 (Americas) |
Figures are as published on the linked page; check edition, scope and what the rate includes before using one.
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How to use this calculator
The formula
Worked example
When this estimate will be off
- Arithmetic only; not a takeoff or quote.
- All scope and commercial inputs must be supplied and verified by the user.
Frequently asked questions
A common mistake: Arithmetic only; not a takeoff or quote.
No. It only applies entered bid assumptions after the project finish level is defined.
Sources
- GA-214 project specification and current contractor evidence — establish scope, productivity, rates, yields and allowances
This free Drywall Finish Level Estimator is built and maintained by DataDrivenAEC, using the relevant codes and standards. It does not substitute for professional judgment.