Drywall Screw Size Chart: 3 Super Helpful Options Now!
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What Size Drywall Screws Do I Need?
To figure out the right drywall screw size for your project you need to refer to a drywall screw size chart. The screw size & length depends mainly on the thickness of the drywall. The screw length should be at least ¾” more than the thickness of the drywall so that it has a good grip on the wood stud.
A penetration of ¾” – 1” into the stud will ensure that the drywall stays in place. It is also important to use coarse thread screws for a stronger grip.
Here, I give you 3 super helpful options of getting the information in a drywall screw size chart. Pick the one you like.
1. Drop Down Menu to Get The Drywall Screw Size
Select the drywall thickness to get the recommended drywall screw size and length.
2. Drywall Screw Size Chart
| Drywall Thickness | Screw Size | Screw Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | #6 or #7 | 1 to 1-1/4 inch |
| 3/8 inch | #6 or #7 | 1-1/4 to 1-3/8 inch |
| 1/2 inch | #8 | 1-1/4 to 1-5/8 inch |
| 5/8 inch | #8 | 1-5/8 to 2 inch |
3. Easy to Save Infographic
Most Commonly Used Drywall Thicknesses
1/2 inch Drywall is by far the most common drywall used in homes. Other thicknesses that are also used are:
1/4 inch Drywall
1/4 inch drywall, also known as “lightweight” or “ultralight” drywall, is the thinnest drywall. It is used on walls or ceilings where flexibility is more important than load bearing capacity. It is often used to create a curved surface to meet a decorative requirement.
For 1/4 inch drywall, 1” to 1-1/4″ length of #6 or #7 size drywall screw is recommended.
3/8 inch Drywall
3/8 inch drywall is seldom used. A 3/8 inch drywall may however, be used as a compromise to reduce cost.
For 3/8 inch drywall, 1-1/4″ to 1-3/8″ length of #6 or #7 size drywall screw is recommended.
1/2 inch Drywall
1/2 inch drywall is the most commonly used thickness. A 1/2 inch drywall meets the code and design requirements for walls & ceilings, both in residential and commercial establishments. This thickness is perfect for even high traffic areas such as hallways and stairwells.
A 1/2 inch drywall is accepted and recommended by Section R302.6 of The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) for separation between garage and a dwelling unit.
For 1/2 inch drywall, 1-1/4″ to 1-5/8″ length of #8 size drywall screw is recommended.
5/8 inch Thick Fire-rated Drywall
5/8 inch thick fire-rated drywall must be used in areas where there is high fire risk and it is prescribed by code. An example is the separation between the garage and a dwelling unit above it. It may also be used in other fire-rated applications such as walls and ceilings in stairwells, corridors, etc.
For 5/8 inch drywall, 1-5/8″ to 2″ length of #8 size drywall screw is recommended.
Should I Use Coarse or Fine Drywall Screws?
It really depends on the stud material. Coarse for Wood Studs and Fine for Metal Studs.
Coarse Drywall Screws (W)
Coarse drywall screws (aka W-type) are used for attaching drywall to wood studs. Coarse screws have a larger thread and are better able to grip and hold in wood.
Additionally, coarse screws have a larger head, which provides a larger surface area for the drywall compound to adhere to.
Fine Drywall Screws (S)
Fine drywall screws (aka S-type) are used for attaching drywall to metal studs. Fine screws have a smaller thread and are better suited for metal.
However, fine screws have a smaller head, which is less likely to create a noticeable dimple in the drywall surface.
A third type of screw, known as G-type is used when you need to attach drywall to drywall. They have a coarse pitch and high thread length.
How Many Drywall Screws Per Pound?
Here’s the information, but please do note that these numbers are approximate, and can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific product.
| Screw Size | Pieces per Pound |
|---|---|
| #6 x 1-1/4″ | 240 |
| #6 x 1-5/8″ | 200 |
| #8 x 2-1/2″ | 90 |
Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and useful.
