How Many Drywall Screws Per Pound: Your Handy Guide for Accurate Estimates

Drywall screws are essential for securing the drywall sheets to the wall studs, and the number of screws required can vary depending on factors such as the size of the room and the layout of the studs.

Estimating the number of drywall screws per pound can be a useful guide to ensure that you have the adequate amount of screws to complete the project without the hassle of running out partway through. 

Typically, a pound of 1 5/8-inch screws would contain around 150 screws, while a pound of 1 1/4-inch screws would contain about 238 screws, and a pound of 2 1/2-inch screws has approximately 92 screws.

It’s important to note that these figures are just general estimations and actual number of screws may vary slightly depending on the specific brand and type of screw being used. 

Always factor in some extra when purchasing materials to account for any inconsistencies or errors made during installation.

Basics of Drywall Screws

Drywall screws are an essential component of any drywall installation project, securing the gypsum board to the wall studs or ceiling joists. 

This section will provide an overview of drywall screws, their materials, sizes, and types.

Materials and Sizes

The most common material for drywall screws is hardened steel, which provides strength and durability for long-lasting support. 

They are often coated with black phosphate to reduce friction and prevent rust.

Drywall screws come in various lengths and sizes, typically ranging from 1 inch to 3 inches. The most common sizes are:

●1 1/4-inch

●1 5/8-inch

●2 1/2-inch

The size you’ll need depends on the thickness of the drywall and the type of framing materials used.

Types of Drywall Screws

There are two main types of drywall screws: coarse thread and fine thread. Each type has specific applications and advantages.

Coarse Thread: These screws have fewer threads per inch and are designed for use with wood studs. The wider threads provide better grip and holding power in softer materials such as wood.

Fine Thread: Fine-threaded screws have more threads per inch, making them suitable for use with metal studs. The denser thread pattern provides better holding power in the harder material.

When selecting drywall screws for your project, it’s important to consider both the size and the thread type to ensure a proper and secure installation.

Calculating Screws per Pound

Screw Length and Gauge

When determining how many drywall screws are in a pound, it is essential to consider the screw’s length and gauge. The number of screws per pound can vary depending on their size:

●1 ¼ inch screws: approximately 230 screws per pound

●1 5/8 inch screws: around 150 screws per pound

●3 ½ inch deck screws: about 50 to 60 screws per pound

Remember, these numbers are approximate and can also be influenced by the brand of screws.

Weight of Screws

If attempting to estimate the number of screws needed for a project, it can be helpful to determine how many pounds to buy. To do this, simply divide the total number of screws needed by the number of screws per pound:

For example, if 460 1 ¼ inch drywall screws are needed, divide 460 by 230 to get 2 pounds. Thus, purchase two pounds of 1 ¼ inch screws to have an adequate amount for the project.

Keep in mind that it may be more cost-effective to buy screws in bulk, such as in a 5-pound box. To calculate how many 5-pound boxes to buy, simply multiply the number of single pound boxes needed by five.

Project Estimation Tips

When working with drywall screws, it is important to accurately estimate the number of screws needed for a project. Below are a few tips and methods to help you estimate the necessary amount of screws per pound of your drywall.

Measuring Drywall Sizes

Before you can estimate the number of screws needed, you must first measure the size of the drywall. Measure the lengths and widths of all the sections that need drywall installation, and calculate the square footage of each area. Add the square footage of all sections together to get the total square footage of drywall needed.

Since drywall screws are typically sold by weight, knowing the square footage is essential for determining how many screws to purchase. As a general rule:

●For 1-1/4 inch screws, there are approximately 240 screws per pound

●For 1-5/8 inch screws, there are roughly 200 screws per pound

●For 2-1/2 inch screws, there are about 90 screws per pound

Divide the total square footage of drywall by 300 to determine the pounds of screws required for your project. For example, if your project requires 1,600 square feet of drywall, you’ll need approximately 5.33 pounds of screws (1,600 ÷ 300 = 5.33).

Accounting for Waste

While estimating the number of screws needed for a project, it is essential to account for waste. This includes screws that may be dropped, lost, or damaged during installation. It’s always best to purchase extra screws to ensure you have enough to complete your project.

A good rule of thumb is to add 10% to your total screw estimation for waste. Using the example above, if 5.33 pounds of screws are required for the 1,600 square feet of drywall, add 10% for waste (5.33 x 1.1 = 5.86). In this case, you should purchase about 6 pounds of screws to ensure you have enough for the entire project.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions related to drywall screws per pound.

How many 1-5/8″ drywall screws are in a pound?

Approximately 200 screws can be found in a pound of 1-5/8″ drywall screws. However, this number may vary slightly depending on the brand.

What is the recommended screw spacing for drywall?

When installing a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of drywall horizontally on a wall, use about 32 drywall screws. This includes four screws on the five middle studs and six screws on each of the two sides. Remember to check your local building codes to ensure your screw pattern is up to code before beginning work.

Useful Tips

Here are some helpful tips when working with drywall screws:

●For 1/4-inch drywall, use 1- to 1-1/4-inch drywall screws.

●For 1/2-inch drywall, use 1-1/4-inch or 1-5/8-inch drywall screws.

●For 5/8-inch drywall, use 1-5/8-inch or 2-inch drywall screws.

Keep in mind that when buying screws, the number of screws per pound may vary based on the screw size and type: