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What Plasterboard Do I Need?

Plywood Etc • Plasterboard Guide

Choose plasterboard by what you need it to do

Different plasterboard types are designed for different environments and performance requirements. Select the closest match below, then use the calculator to work out how many sheets you may need.

Selected board type

—Typical application
—Key consideration
SystemComplete construction matters
Ready to calculate your plasterboard?

Use the Plywood Etc calculator to estimate the number of sheets required.

Technical references: Siniat · Knauf · British Gypsum
Step 2 • Calculate your quantity

How much plasterboard do I need?

Now calculate the board quantity for your walls, ceilings or partition project.

Plywood Etc • Plasterboard Calculator & Guide

What plasterboard do I need?

Choose the job, tell us what the board needs to do and calculate how many sheets you need. A practical, manufacturer-neutral guide for UK walls, ceilings and partitions.

Step 1 of 4
Board selector

What are you boarding?

Start with the application. We will guide you through the choices that affect the board recommendation.

What does the board need to do?

Choose the main performance requirement. You can add secondary requirements in the next step.

Tell us about the project

Enter the dimensions and any openings. We will use these to estimate the board quantity.

Opening deductions: the calculator uses planning allowances of 0.9 × 2.0m per door and 1.2 × 1.0m per window. Add other openings by total area.

Any additional requirements?

Optional: select anything else the board or construction needs to consider.

Choose the board size

Use the actual board size you intend to buy. Larger sheets can reduce joints, but handling and access matter too.

Important: this calculates a planning quantity. It does not design a fire-rated, acoustic, thermal, vapour-control or structural system.
Your initial recommendation

Standard plasterboard

0m²Net board area
0Boards to order
0m²Coverage per board
10%Wastage

Why we've recommended this

Important before you buy

Technical manufacturer references

These links are provided as neutral technical references while Plywood Etc develops its plasterboard range.

SiniatInternal board categories → KnaufBoard range → British GypsumGyproc plasterboards →
Plywood Etc guide

Plasterboard types explained

The right plasterboard depends on the room, construction and performance requirement. The main board families include standard, moisture-resistant, acoustic, fire-resistant, impact or robust, thermal or insulated and vapour-control boards.

Standard plasterboardGeneral dry internal walls and ceilings where no special performance requirement applies.
Moisture resistantFor increased humidity or condensation risk. Moisture resistant does not mean waterproof.
Acoustic plasterboardCan contribute to improved sound control as part of an appropriate wall or ceiling system.
Fire resistantUsed within constructions requiring enhanced fire performance.
Impact / robustFor areas exposed to knocks, high traffic or demanding use.
Thermal / insulatedCombines plasterboard and insulation to improve thermal performance of a lining.
Vapour controlFor constructions where vapour movement needs specific consideration.
Specialist wet-area boardFor direct water exposure where conventional plasterboard may not be appropriate.
Choose by application

What plasterboard do I need?

Start with the environment and the job. A plasterboard's colour or brand name alone is not enough to determine suitability.

Bathroom / humid areasLook at moisture-resistant and specialist wet-area options. Sound controlExplore acoustic boards and complete systems. Fire performanceCheck fire-resistant boards and tested systems. Loft / thermal liningExplore insulated plasterboard options. CeilingsConsider board size, thickness and fixing guidance. PartitionsConsider both sides and the complete wall system. High-traffic areasConsider impact and robust board performance. Vapour controlCheck vapour-control boards and the complete build-up.
Performance at a glance

How plasterboard types differ

Requirement Board family Important consideration
General dry internal use Standard plasterboard A common starting point for ordinary walls and ceilings.
Humidity / condensation Moisture-resistant board Moisture resistant does not mean waterproof.
Sound control Acoustic / higher-density board Final acoustic performance comes from the complete construction.
Fire performance Fire-resistant board Use the specified or tested system for the required rating.
Knocks / demanding use Impact / robust board Check the actual product's stated impact performance.
Thermal improvement Insulated plasterboard Thickness depends on the existing wall and target performance.
Vapour movement Vapour-control board / lining Consider the whole wall or roof build-up and condensation risk.
Direct water exposure Specialist wet-area board A suitable substrate and waterproofing system may be required.
Frequently asked

Plasterboard calculator FAQs

What plasterboard should I use for a normal room?
For a typical dry internal room with no special performance requirement, standard plasterboard is normally the starting point. Check the actual product's application and fixing guidance.
Can I use moisture-resistant plasterboard in a bathroom?
It can be suitable for increased humidity, but moisture-resistant plasterboard is not automatically waterproof. Direct-water areas may require specialist wet-area construction.
What is the difference between moisture-resistant and vapour-control plasterboard?
Moisture-resistant boards are designed for increased humidity or moisture exposure. Vapour-control boards or linings restrict vapour movement through a building element. They address different requirements.
What plasterboard is best for soundproofing?
Acoustic or higher-density boards can contribute to improved sound insulation, but the complete wall or ceiling construction determines the final result.
What plasterboard is used for fire protection?
Fire-resistant plasterboard is available for constructions requiring enhanced fire performance. The board, thickness, number of layers and fixing method depend on the tested or specified system.
How much plasterboard wastage should I allow?
Around 10% is a useful planning allowance for many straightforward jobs. Increase it for complex layouts, many openings, sloping ceilings or difficult access.
Is 9.5mm or 12.5mm plasterboard better?
Neither is universally better. Thickness depends on the board type, application and system. 12.5mm is a common general-purpose thickness, while other thicknesses are available for specific applications.
Does the calculator give an exact number of boards?
It provides a planning estimate based on dimensions, board size, layers, sides, openings and wastage. A detailed cutting plan can produce a different final quantity.
Technical references

Manufacturer plasterboard resources

Use these manufacturer pages to check current product classifications, applications and technical information while the Plywood Etc plasterboard range is being developed.

SiniatInternal board categories and technical information. KnaufGypsum and specialist board information. British GypsumGyproc plasterboard categories and specification.

This page is a general planning and product-selection guide. It does not replace manufacturer technical information, a tested fire or acoustic system, structural design, a U-value calculation or a condensation assessment where required.