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What are the levels of drywall finish?

Drywall finish levels range from Level 0 (unfinished) to Level 5 (full skim coat), with each level defining the amount of taping, joint compound, and surface smoothness applied.

Level 0 - No finishes or taping and is used for temporary construction.

Level 1 -  Tape covers the joints without a joint compound over the tape.

Level 2 - Joint compound is applied over taped joints, interior angles, fastener heads and corner
beads. It is also wiped with a joint knife leaving a thin coating of joint compound.

Level 3 - Everything from Level 2 and one additional coat of joint compound is over joints and interior  angles. Fastener heads are covered with three separate coats of joint compound. All joint compounds should be smooth and free of tool marks and ridges.

Level 4 - Everything from Level 3 plus two separate coats of joint compound over all flat joints and a  separate coat over the inside corners.

Level 5 - All the requirements of level 4 plus an additional thin skim coat of joint compound over the entire surface.

Drawing showing drywall levels 1-5