Paint Calculator - How Much Paint Do I Need?

One gallon of paint typically covers 350-400 square feet on smooth, sealed surfaces. On textured or porous surfaces (like unprimed drywall or brick), coverage drops to 250-300 sq ft per gallon. Always check the manufacturer's label for specific coverage rates.

Most walls need 2 coats for even coverage and durability. Use 3 coats when painting light over dark, covering bold colors, or painting over wallpaper. High-quality paint-and-primer-in-one products may only need 1 coat on previously painted surfaces in good condition.

Yes. Professional painters subtract doors and windows to avoid over-purchasing. However, the extra paint is useful for touch-ups and future repairs, so many DIYers skip this step. This calculator subtracts them for accuracy but rounds up to the nearest gallon, which provides a small buffer.

Check the "Include Ceiling" box in the calculator. Ceiling area is length x width. Ceilings usually need 1-2 coats. Use flat or matte ceiling paint for best results -- it hides imperfections and does not reflect light harshly.

Divide the room into rectangular sections. Calculate each section separately, then add the totals. For sloped ceilings or irregular walls, measure the actual surface area and enter custom dimensions.

Paint is sold in whole gallons (or quarts/liters). Rounding up ensures you have enough paint to complete the job and provides a small reserve for touch-ups. Running out mid-project is costly and inconvenient, so always round up.

Interior latex paint ranges from $15-$80 per gallon depending on quality. Budget paint: $15-25. Mid-grade: $25-45. Premium: $45-80. Professional-grade paints cost more but offer better coverage, durability, and washability. Enter your paint price in the price field to get a cost estimate.

Primer seals porous surfaces, covers stains, and helps paint adhere. Use primer on bare drywall, wood, or when making drastic color changes. Paint provides color and finish. Some paints include primer (2-in-1), but separate primer is still better for problem surfaces.

Yes. Click the "Meters" button to switch units. The calculator will use square meters and liters instead of square feet and gallons. Coverage rates adjust automatically.

Yes. Buy at least 10% extra for spills, touch-ups, and future repairs. This calculator rounds up to the nearest gallon, which usually provides this buffer. Keep leftover paint sealed and labeled with the room name and date.

One gallon of paint typically covers 350-400 square feet on smooth, sealed surfaces. On textured or porous surfaces like unprimed drywall or brick, coverage drops to 250-300 sq ft per gallon. Always check the manufacturer's label for specific coverage rates.

Most walls need 2 coats for even coverage and durability. Use 3 coats when painting light over dark, covering bold colors, or painting over wallpaper. High-quality paint-and-primer-in-one products may only need 1 coat on previously painted surfaces in good condition.

Yes. Professional painters subtract doors and windows to avoid over-purchasing. However, the extra paint is useful for touch-ups and future repairs, so many DIYers skip this step. This calculator subtracts them for accuracy but rounds up to the nearest gallon, which provides a small buffer.

Check the Include Ceiling option in the calculator. Ceiling area is length times width. Ceilings usually need 1-2 coats. Use flat or matte ceiling paint for best results as it hides imperfections and does not reflect light harshly.

Divide the room into rectangular sections. Calculate each section separately, then add the totals. For sloped ceilings or irregular walls, measure the actual surface area and enter custom dimensions.

Interior latex paint ranges from $15-$80 per gallon depending on quality. Budget paint costs $15-25, mid-grade $25-45, and premium $45-80. Professional-grade paints cost more but offer better coverage, durability, and washability.