How to cut circular holes in drywall

This article is about how to cut circular holes in drywall. Cutting circular holes in necessary when installing electrical outlets, recessed lights or even smoke detectors, therefore we will show you how to do it like a pro. Making the actual holes is very ease, the challenge is to use the right tools for the job and to prepare the wall in a professional manner. If you have to cut circular holes in an old wall, you have to use a stud finder as to make sure you won’t damage the studs and to work with great care, otherwise you might cut electrical wires or water pipes. On the other hand, if you have to hang a new drywall board around a circular object, it’s best to make the cut before installing it.

There are several tools which can get the job done, but you should choose the one which fits your needs best. For example, if you have to cut a very large circular hole (let’s say over 6”) you should use a drywall saw. Oppositely, for small round holes, we recommend you to use a hole saw drill, as it will cut the drywall quickly and accurately (you can cut small holes with a regular drywall saw, but not as accurately).

Before cutting the drywall, make sure you have turned the electricity off, otherwise you could injure yourself if you hit a wire. Nevertheless, you should take a look over the installation plans, as to identify a suitable spot to cut the hole without having to worry about hitting pipes, wires or studs. Cutting holes in a drywall is a serious job, therefore we recommend you to let the qualified professional handle it.

If you install new drywall sheets, it is easier to cut the circular hole first and afterwards to hang them to the studs. The main challenge is to take accurate measurements, otherwise the hole might not fit into location. Work with patience use a tape measure or an T-square and you will get the job done as a professional. If you need to install an electrical outlet, you should read our article about cutting a square hole in drywall.

Made from this plan

Materials

Drywall board

Tools

Utility knife, T-square, tape measure
Drill machinery, hole saw drill bit
Drywall saw

Tips

Use an adjustable hole saw drill to obtain accurate cuts
Take accurate measurements before cutting the holes
Make sure you don’t damage electrical wires or pipes when cutting the circular hole

Time

5 Minutes

Best tools to cut circular holes in drywall

Hole saw for drywall

You can cut circular holes in drywall using different tools: the easiest method is to use an adjustable hole saw drill bit, but you can also get the job done with a regular drywall saw. A hole saw drill bit will cut a circular hole in a matter of seconds and you only need to draw the center of the circle on the sheetrock.

If you choose to use a drywall saw, you have to draw the circle first with a compass and then cut out the hole. This is the best method if you have to cut large circular holes in drywall.

Adjustable hole saw

In this project, we will show you how to use an adjustable hole saw drill bit to cut circular holes in drywall boards. You can see in the image that this tool is highly versatile, as you can choose the appropriate radius for your needs.

Locating the hole on the sheet

First, you have to measure the location of the center of the hole from the edges of where you will install the drywall board. Taking accurate measurements is even more important than making the actual cut, therefore we recommend you to work with attention and great care.

Use a T-square and place it along the edge of the drywall board. Mark with a pencil the distance from one side to the center of the hole.

Marking the center of the hole

Next, move the T-square 90º and place it along the first mark. Measure the distance from the other side to the center of the hole and mark it on the drywall board. This mark represents the center of the hole we are about to cut with a hole saw drill.

Before making the cut, we recommend you to check if the mark is appropriate, otherwise the hole won’t fit into position.

Marking the hole on the drywall

Use a carpentry pencil to make the mark more visible, by drawing an X. It is essential to take accurate measurements, as even a small mistake could compromise your project.

Hole saw drill bit

In order to cut the circular hole in the drywall board, you have to use a drill machinery with torque control and a hole saw drill bit. From our experience, we recommend you to use a drill machinery with torque control, otherwise you cannot control its speed.

Before using the drill machinery, make sure it is in a good condition, otherwise you risk both injuring yourself and damaging the drywall.

Set the speed of the drill machinery to average and place it over the center of the hole. Work with patience and with great care, otherwise the hole won’t fit into location.

Hold the drill machinery firmly, with one hand on the handle, while with the other hand you have to push the start button. Make sure the drill machinery is perpendicular on the drywall board, as to get a proper hole. Press the start button and press gently the drill machinery towards the drywall board, while you hold it firmly with your both hands.

Cutting circular holes in drywall

Next, increase the speed of the drill machinery and press it towards the drywall. The hole saw drill bit will cut out the drywall very quickly, therefore make sure you hold it perpendicular.

Cutting a circular hole in drywall with a hole saw produces a lot of dust, therefore we recommend you to use eye protection and a respiratory mask. In addition, if you cut a hole in a wall, it would be better to place several old rugs on the floor, to protect it from the residues.

Cutting circular hole in drywall

After the hole saw has cut the drywall board, you have to pull the drill machinery and evaluate the hole. If you have followed our tips you should get a proper hole with accurate edges.

As we have already said, you can also cut circular holes in drywall by using a keyhole saw. This tool is very useful when cutting drywall, especially for large holes.

Cleaning the dust

After you have cut the circular hole in the drywall sheet, you have to vacuum the dust, before hand it on the wall.

Cutting circular saw in drywall

As you can see in the image, cutting a circular hole with an adjustable hole saw drill bit is the best choice when having to install recessed lights or other fixture. Nevertheless, if you have to cut a large circular hole, you can also get the job done in a professional manner by using a keyhole saw.

My best tips on cutting circular holes in drywall:

Cutting circular holes in drywall is a common task when installing light fixtures, vents, or plumbing. While it may seem tricky, using the right tools and techniques can make the job quick and clean. Here are my best tips for cutting precise circular holes in drywall with minimal effort.

1. Use the Right Tools for the Job

Keyhole Saw or Drywall Saw: A keyhole or drywall saw is great for cutting smaller circular holes manually. It’s ideal for holes for light switches or electrical boxes.
Hole Saw Attachment: For perfectly round holes, especially for recessed lights or larger fixtures, a hole saw attachment on a drill is the best option. Choose a size that matches the diameter of the hole needed.
Circle Cutter Tool: A circle cutter is a specialized tool for cutting perfect circles in drywall. It’s adjustable to different diameters and ideal for repeated use.
Utility Knife: A sharp utility knife can be used for scoring and making small circular cuts if you don’t have a saw handy, though it’s better suited for less precise or smaller holes.

2. Measure and Mark the Hole Location

Locate the Center Point: Measure and mark the center of where you want to cut the hole. Use a tape measure to ensure that the placement is accurate, especially when cutting holes for fixtures that need to be precisely aligned (e.g., recessed lights).
Use a Template or Compass: For accuracy, use a template or compass to mark the circle on the drywall. If the fixture comes with a template, trace that onto the drywall. If not, use a compass to draw a perfectly round circle.

3. Score the Circle Before Cutting

Use a Utility Knife to Score the Outline: Before cutting the hole, use a utility knife to lightly score the outline of the circle. This prevents the drywall from tearing or chipping around the edges when you begin cutting.
Deepen the Score if Needed: For tighter control, deepen the score line before using a saw or drill. This helps guide the blade and keeps the cut clean.

4. Cutting Small Circular Holes

Use a Keyhole or Jab Saw: For small holes (such as for electrical boxes or small fixtures), insert a keyhole or jab saw into the drywall at the center point and begin cutting along the scored line. Move the saw slowly and follow the circular outline to keep the cut clean.
Cut in Sections: If the hole is large, try cutting in sections rather than attempting to follow the curve in one motion. This can help maintain accuracy and prevent overcutting.

5. Cutting Larger Circular Holes

Use a Hole Saw: For larger holes (such as for recessed lighting), use a hole saw attachment on a power drill. Select a hole saw with the correct diameter, attach it to the drill, and position the pilot bit in the center mark.
Drill Slowly and Steadily: Start drilling at a slow speed to prevent the saw from skipping. Once the hole saw begins to cut into the drywall, maintain steady pressure and drill through the entire depth of the drywall. You’ll be left with a perfectly round hole.
Adjust for Double-Layer Drywall: If you’re cutting through double-layer drywall, use a longer hole saw or make the cut in stages.

6. Use a Circle Cutter for Precision

Adjust the Circle Cutter: For consistent, perfect circles (especially in larger quantities), a circle cutter tool is ideal. Adjust the arm of the circle cutter to the desired diameter and center it over your mark.
Cut the Drywall: With steady pressure, rotate the cutter along the marked circle. These tools typically score or cut through the drywall in a clean, circular motion.
Punch Out the Circle: Once the circle is fully cut, simply punch out the drywall piece, leaving behind a smooth, accurate hole.

7. Avoid Overcutting or Damage

Cut on the Waste Side: When making any cut, it’s best to cut just outside the marked line to allow room for adjustments. You can always sand or file down the hole later if it’s slightly too tight.
Check for Obstacles Behind the Wall: Before cutting, check for any obstacles like wires or pipes behind the drywall. Use a stud finder or drill a small pilot hole first to avoid damaging anything within the wall.
Use a Backing Board if Necessary: If you’re cutting in a fragile or unsupported part of the drywall, place a piece of scrap wood or a backing board behind the drywall to prevent blowouts or damage while cutting.

8. Finish the Hole with Sanding

Smooth the Edges: After cutting the hole, use fine-grit sandpaper or a drywall sanding block to smooth the edges of the cut. This ensures that the hole is neat and ready for the fixture to be installed.
Adjust the Size if Necessary: If the hole is slightly too small for the fixture, carefully enlarge it by sanding or using a utility knife to shave off small sections until the fixture fits perfectly.

9. Test Fit the Fixture

Check for Fit: Before final installation, place the fixture (such as a light, vent, or pipe) into the hole to ensure that it fits snugly. If any adjustments are needed, make them before proceeding with the installation.
Check for Level: If the fixture needs to be aligned (like a recessed light), ensure that it is level and flush with the surrounding drywall.

Cutting circular holes in drywall doesn’t have to be a difficult task if you use the right tools and techniques. Whether you’re working with a small hole for an electrical box or a large hole for recessed lighting, following these tips will help you achieve clean, accurate cuts every time. Remember to take your time, measure carefully, and use the right tools for the job.

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