1.25 lb/sq ft nominal weight—lighter than traditional 1/2 in. panels per USG
Key features
ICC-ES ESR-3365 and sag-resistant positioning for ceilings per USG
Tapered long edges for standard Sheetrock joint treatment systems
Technical specifications
| R-Value | 0.45 |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.5 in |
| Width | 48.0 in |
| Length | 96.0 in |
| Coverage | 32.0 sq ft/pack |
| Material | Gypsum core with recycled face and back papers (Sheetrock UltraLight composite per USG) |
| Fire rating | Noncombustible gypsum core per typical gypsum-board listings; UL classification for surface-burning characteristics and noncombustibility per USG. Not a Type X (firecode) panel unless a separate Type X SKU is specified—verify UL design listings for rated assemblies. |
| Sound rating | Acoustic performance is assembly-dependent; gypsum finish layers contribute to STC in tested partition assemblies (ASTM E90). |
| Density | Nominal 1.25 lb/sq ft panel weight per USG product specifications |
| Construction type | ASTM C1396 1/2 in. gypsum wallboard and gypsum ceiling board per USG UltraLight listings |
| Application area | Interior walls and ceilings; engineered sag resistance may reduce need for separate sag-resistant ceiling board on typical ceiling spans per manufacturer—confirm with USG literature and code |
Product details
Contractors choose stock sizes that balance truck utilization, lift ergonomics, and seam count: the four-by-eight module is the default reference sheet for residential and light commercial drywall packages because it moves through doorways without special rigging while still covering thirty-two square feet per lift.
USG Sheetrock UltraLight targets the pain point of heavier traditional half-inch board—nominal 1.25 lb per square foot per USG—so a full sheet lands near forty pounds for planning math versus many legacy panels that feel noticeably heavier at the same thickness.
Tapered long edges support conventional Sheetrock joint tape and compound workflows, and USG publishes ASTM C1396 coverage for half-inch gypsum wallboard and ceiling board plus ICC-ES ESR-3365 language for ceiling installations where sag resistance matters; GREENGUARD Gold supports low-emitting interior material submittals.
Treat this SKU as a general interior finish layer, not automatic Type X: when a rated partition or shaft calls for proprietary fire boards, match the UL design to the exact board name, thickness, and edge marking on the delivery. Always pull the current USG data sheet for the commodity code on your ticket before substituting.
On site, keep panels flat, dry, and off the slab; stagger joints with framing, follow GA-216 or ASTM C840 fastening guidance for non-rated work, and coordinate crane picks using nominal weight times bundle counts from the distributor.
Documents & certifications
Technical data sheet
Manufacturer-tested R-value, coverage, fire notes, and handling—use for submittals, RFIs, and field QA.
Download PDF (opens in new tab)Certifications & compliance
GREENGUARD Gold; UL classification (surface burning / noncombustibility per USG); ASTM C1396; ICC-ES ESR-3365 (ceiling installations per USG)
Frequently asked questions
Can I use UltraLight on ceilings?
Can I use UltraLight on ceilings?
USG markets UltraLight 1/2 in. panels with superior sag resistance and references ICC-ES ESR-3365 for ceiling installations in its product literature. Always follow the current USG installation guide and local code for span, framing, and fastener schedules.
Is UltraLight the same as Type X fire-rated drywall?
Is UltraLight the same as Type X fire-rated drywall?
No. Standard UltraLight 1/2 in. panels are not automatically interchangeable with Type X or proprietary fire-resistance boards. For rated assemblies, match the exact board type, thickness, and UL listing referenced in the assembly.
What is the approximate thermal contribution of one layer?
What is the approximate thermal contribution of one layer?
A single 1/2 in. gypsum finish layer is typically modeled near R-0.45 in residential R-value stacking; use your energy model and applicable standards for your climate and assembly.
Where should I confirm packaging and edge detail?
Where should I confirm packaging and edge detail?
Use the USG data/submittal sheet for the commodity code on your delivery ticket. Long edges are tapered for standard joint treatment; verify width and length on the master pack before cutting.