Drywall Corner Bead Calculator
Calculates outside corner bead sticks (8 ft or 10 ft lengths) across galvanized metal nail-on, paper-faced tape-on (Beadex / Sheetrock), vinyl, and 3/4" radius bullnose styles for wall corners, soffits, and window returns.
Formula
Linear Feet = Corners × Height; Sticks = Corners (if stick length matches height)
1. Total Linear Feet = Corner Count × Height 2. Stick Length = (Height > 8 ft ? 10 ft : 8 ft) 3. Total Sticks to Order = Corner Count + (1 extra stick for window returns / waste)
Inputs
- Number of Outside Wall Corners
- Average Corner Height
- Corner Bead Profile & Material
Worked example
Finishing 6 exterior 90-degree drywall corners with 8-ft paper-faced tape-on corner bead.
Outcome: Requires 48 linear feet of corner bead. Order 7 eight-foot sticks (6 for wall corners + 1 spare for small cut-ins). Paper-faced bead is embedded in joint compound without fasteners.
Why do modern tapers recommend paper-faced corner bead over metal nail-on bead?
Traditional metal nail-on bead is fastened with nails or staples that frequently loosen or crack when doors slam. Paper-faced bead has laminated paper tape wings that embed into wet joint compound, creating a permanently fused crack-free bond.