Free Online Paint Calculator
Calculate the amount of paint needed for your project.
Calculation Results
Area Summary
- Gross Area
- 0 m²
- Openings
- -0 m²
- Net Area
- 0 m²
Paint Needed
10% waste included
Primer Needed
Can Recommendation
Cost Estimate
- Economy
- 0
- Mid-Range
- 0
- Premium
Tips
- Drying Time
- 2-4 hours (touch dry), 24 hours (recoat)
- Application Tip
- Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and dust-free before painting.
Paint Calculator: Estimate Paint Coverage, Costs & Gallons Needed
Whether you’re refreshing a single room or tackling a whole-house painting project, knowing exactly how much paint to buy is essential for staying on budget and avoiding multiple trips to the store. Our free paint calculator helps you estimate the gallons needed for interior design projects, exterior painting, ceilings, trim, and more.
Just as architects carefully plan every element of a space—from bubble diagrams for spatial planning to final finishes—calculating paint quantities accurately ensures professional results without waste. This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic formulas to cost estimates for DIY and professional painting projects.
How to Calculate How Much Paint You Need
The fundamental principle behind paint calculation is simple: measure the surface area you want to paint, then divide by the paint’s coverage rate. However, accurate estimation requires accounting for doors, windows, number of coats, and surface texture.
The Basic Paint Calculation Formula
Gallons Needed = (Total Square Feet ÷ Coverage per Gallon) × Number of CoatsWhere:
- Total Square Feet = Area to be painted minus doors and windows
- Coverage per Gallon = Typically 350-400 sq ft for quality latex paint
- Number of Coats = Usually 2 for best results
Step-by-Step Paint Calculation
Measure the length and height of each wall in feet. Multiply length × height to get the square footage of each wall. Add all walls together for total wall area.
Subtract non-paintable areas: Standard door ≈ 20 sq ft, Standard window ≈ 15 sq ft. This gives you the actual paintable surface area.
Divide the total paintable area by the paint’s coverage rate (check the can—typically 350-400 sq ft/gallon), then multiply by the number of coats.
Always round up and add a buffer for touch-ups, uneven surfaces, and small errors. It’s better to have a little extra than to run short mid-project.
Example: Calculating Paint for a 12′ × 14′ Room
• Room perimeter: (12 + 14) × 2 = 52 feet
• Wall height: 8 feet
• Total wall area: 52 × 8 = 416 sq ft
• Subtract 1 door (20 sq ft) + 2 windows (30 sq ft) = 50 sq ft
• Paintable area: 416 – 50 = 366 sq ft
• At 375 sq ft/gallon coverage: 366 ÷ 375 = 0.98 gallons
• For 2 coats: 0.98 × 2 = 1.96 gallons
• Purchase: 2 gallons (accounts for touch-ups)
Paint Coverage by Type
| Paint Type | Coverage (sq ft/gallon) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Latex Paint | 350-400 | Walls, ceilings, most interior surfaces |
| Interior Primer | 200-300 | New drywall, color changes, stain blocking |
| Exterior Latex Paint | 250-350 | Siding, trim, outdoor surfaces |
| Exterior Primer | 200-300 | Bare wood, weathered surfaces |
| Ceiling Paint | 350-400 | Ceilings, overhead surfaces |
| Trim/Semi-Gloss | 400-450 | Baseboards, doors, molding |
| Textured Paint | 150-200 | Texture finishes, specialty coatings |
Coverage rates vary by brand—always check the manufacturer’s specifications. Premium paints from brands like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr often provide better coverage than economy paints.
Interior Paint Calculator
Interior painting projects require careful planning to achieve professional results. Whether you’re beginning a home renovation or simply refreshing a room’s color palette, accurate paint estimation saves time and money.
Room-by-Room Paint Estimates
| Room Type | Average Size | Walls Only | Walls + Ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Bathroom | 40 sq ft floor | 1 gallon | 1.5 gallons |
| Standard Bathroom | 60 sq ft floor | 1.5 gallons | 2 gallons |
| Small Bedroom | 10′ × 10′ | 1.5 gallons | 2 gallons |
| Standard Bedroom | 12′ × 12′ | 2 gallons | 2.5 gallons |
| Master Bedroom | 14′ × 16′ | 2.5 gallons | 3.5 gallons |
| Living Room | 16′ × 20′ | 3 gallons | 4 gallons |
| Kitchen | 12′ × 14′ | 2 gallons | 2.5 gallons |
*Estimates assume 8-foot ceilings, 2 coats, and standard door/window deductions
Ceiling Paint Calculator
Ceiling painting is straightforward since there are no doors or windows to subtract. Simply calculate the floor area:
Ceiling Gallons = (Length × Width) ÷ Coverage × Coats• Area: 14 × 16 = 224 sq ft
• At 400 sq ft/gallon: 224 ÷ 400 = 0.56 gallons
• For 2 coats: 0.56 × 2 = 1.12 gallons
• Purchase: 1.5 gallons or 1 gallon + 2 quarts
Trim and Baseboard Paint
Trim is measured in linear feet rather than square footage. A typical room has trim around the perimeter plus door and window casings.
• Calculate total linear feet of trim
• Multiply by trim width (typically 4-6 inches = 0.33-0.5 feet)
• Add door casing area (approximately 17 sq ft per standard door)
• Add window casing area (approximately 10 sq ft per standard window)
• 1 gallon of trim paint covers approximately 150-200 linear feet
Exterior Paint Calculator
Exterior painting requires different considerations than interior work. Weather exposure, surface porosity, and architectural details all affect paint needs. Proper planning is essential—just as understanding renovation costs helps budget effectively.
Calculating Exterior Wall Area
For exterior painting, measure each wall separately and account for gables, dormers, and other architectural features:
Length × Height for each wall section. For two-story homes, measure each floor separately.
For triangular gables: (Base × Height) ÷ 2. Add this to your wall measurements.
Subtract windows (15-20 sq ft each), doors (20 sq ft each), and garage doors (120-160 sq ft).
Exterior Paint Coverage by Siding Type
| Siding Type | Coverage (sq ft/gal) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Wood | 350-400 | Standard coverage, may need primer |
| Rough-Cut Wood/Cedar | 200-300 | Absorbs more paint, extra coats often needed |
| Vinyl Siding | 300-400 | Requires special vinyl-safe paint |
| Aluminum Siding | 300-350 | Needs proper primer for adhesion |
| Stucco | 150-250 | Very porous, requires more paint |
| Brick | 100-150 | Highly porous, requires primer and extra coats |
| Concrete/Masonry | 150-200 | Requires masonry primer |
House Size Paint Estimates
| Home Size | Exterior Sq Ft* | Body Paint (gal) | Trim Paint (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (1 story) | ~1,200 | 6-8 | 1-2 |
| 1,500 sq ft (1 story) | ~1,600 | 8-10 | 2 |
| 2,000 sq ft (2 story) | ~2,200 | 12-15 | 2-3 |
| 2,500 sq ft (2 story) | ~2,800 | 15-18 | 3-4 |
| 3,000 sq ft (2 story) | ~3,400 | 18-22 | 4-5 |
*Estimates assume standard window/door deductions and 2 coats
Fence Painting Calculator
For fences, calculate the total surface area of both sides if painting the entire fence:
Fence Sq Ft = Length × Height × 2 (for both sides)• One side: 100 × 6 = 600 sq ft
• Both sides: 600 × 2 = 1,200 sq ft
• At 300 sq ft/gallon (rough wood): 1,200 ÷ 300 = 4 gallons
• For 2 coats: 4 × 2 = 8 gallons
Interior & Exterior Painting Cost Calculator
Understanding painting costs helps you budget accurately whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals. Costs vary significantly based on paint quality, surface preparation, and your location—similar to how home renovation costs vary by project scope.
Paint Prices by Quality
| Paint Quality | Price/Gallon | Coverage | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | $15-25 | 300-350 sq ft | 3-5 years |
| Mid-Range | $25-40 | 350-400 sq ft | 5-8 years |
| Premium | $40-60 | 400-450 sq ft | 8-12 years |
| Ultra-Premium | $60-100+ | 400-450 sq ft | 10-15+ years |
DIY vs Professional Painting Costs
DIY Interior Painting Costs
- Paint: $25-50 per gallon (mid-range to premium)
- Primer: $20-35 per gallon
- Supplies: $50-150 (brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths, trays)
- Total for average room: $100-300
- Total per sq ft: $0.50-1.50
Professional Interior Painting Costs
- Walls only: $1-3 per square foot
- Walls + ceiling + trim: $3-6 per square foot
- Average room: $350-850
- Whole house (2,000 sq ft): $4,000-10,000
- Labor accounts for: 70-85% of total cost
Professional Exterior Painting Costs
- Per square foot: $1.50-5.00
- 1,500 sq ft home: $2,500-5,000
- 2,500 sq ft home: $4,000-8,000
- Fence painting: $2-4 per square foot
- Trim only: $1-3 per linear foot
Painting Cost by Room
| Room | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | $75-150 | $300-500 |
| Small Bedroom | $100-200 | $350-600 |
| Master Bedroom | $150-300 | $650-1,400 |
| Living Room | $200-400 | $1,000-2,000 |
| Kitchen | $150-300 | $800-1,500 |
| Whole House Interior | $1,000-2,500 | $4,000-10,000 |
For more detailed guidance on planning renovation budgets, see our guide to expert architectural tips for home renovation.
Choosing Paint Finishes
The right paint finish affects both appearance and durability. Consider the room’s function, lighting, and traffic when selecting finishes—an important aspect of interior design trends.
Interior Paint Finishes Guide
| Finish | Sheen Level | Durability | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matte | 0-10% | Low | Ceilings, low-traffic rooms, hides imperfections |
| Eggshell | 10-25% | Medium | Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms |
| Satin | 25-35% | Medium-High | Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, family rooms |
| Semi-Gloss | 35-70% | High | Trim, doors, cabinets, high-moisture areas |
| High-Gloss | 70-100% | Very High | Accent trim, furniture, cabinets |
Exterior Paint Finishes
- Flat: Best for siding with imperfections; harder to clean
- Low-Sheen/Satin: Popular choice balancing appearance and cleanability
- Semi-Gloss: Ideal for trim, shutters, doors; very durable
- Gloss: Maximum durability for doors and high-wear areas
Surface Preparation Tips
Proper surface preparation is crucial for paint adhesion and longevity. According to Sherwin-Williams, surface prep accounts for up to 80% of a successful paint job.
Interior Preparation Checklist
- Remove furniture or move to center of room and cover
- Remove outlet covers and light switch plates
- Fill holes and cracks with spackling compound
- Sand patched areas smooth when dry
- Clean walls to remove dust, grease, and cobwebs
- Apply painter’s tape to trim, windows, and ceiling edges
- Prime bare drywall, stains, or when making dramatic color changes
- Lay drop cloths to protect floors
Exterior Preparation Checklist
- Pressure wash to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint
- Scrape and sand peeling or flaking paint
- Repair or replace damaged siding, trim, or caulk
- Prime bare wood and any repairs
- Cover landscaping, windows, and fixtures
- Check weather forecast—avoid painting in extreme heat, cold, or high humidity
- Allow surfaces to dry completely after washing (24-48 hours)
Factors Affecting Paint Coverage
Several variables can increase or decrease the amount of paint needed beyond basic square footage calculations:
Surface Texture
- Smooth drywall: Standard coverage (350-400 sq ft/gal)
- Orange peel texture: 10-20% more paint needed
- Knockdown texture: 20-30% more paint needed
- Heavy texture/popcorn: 30-50% more paint needed
- Brick/masonry: 50-100% more paint needed
Color Changes
- Similar colors: 2 coats typically sufficient
- Light to dark: 2-3 coats with tinted primer
- Dark to light: 3+ coats or primer + 2 coats
- Covering bright colors (red, orange, yellow): Always use gray-tinted primer
Application Method
- Brush: Uses less paint but slower; best for detail work
- Roller: Standard coverage; most efficient for large areas
- Sprayer: Uses 20-40% more paint but fastest application; requires more masking
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need for a 12×12 room?
For a 12′ × 12′ room with 8-foot ceilings, you’ll need approximately 1.5-2 gallons for the walls (with 2 coats) after subtracting doors and windows. If painting the ceiling too, add another gallon. This assumes standard latex paint with 350-400 sq ft/gallon coverage.
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
A gallon of quality interior latex paint typically covers 350-400 square feet per coat on smooth surfaces. Exterior paint covers slightly less (250-350 sq ft) due to surface porosity. Primer covers approximately 200-300 sq ft per gallon. Always check the paint can for specific coverage rates.
How much does it cost to paint the interior of a house?
Professional interior painting costs $2-6 per square foot, or $4,000-$10,000 for an average 2,000 sq ft home. DIY costs are significantly lower at $0.50-1.50 per square foot. Costs vary based on paint quality, surface condition, ceiling height, and geographic location.
Do I need primer before painting?
Primer is recommended for: new drywall, bare wood, stained surfaces, when making dramatic color changes, over glossy surfaces, and on porous surfaces. Many premium paints now include primer (paint-and-primer-in-one), which works well for repainting similar colors on previously painted surfaces.
How do I calculate paint for walls with high ceilings?
Use the same formula: perimeter × height = wall square footage. A room with 10-foot ceilings has 25% more wall area than one with 8-foot ceilings. For vaulted or cathedral ceilings, break the wall into rectangular and triangular sections, calculate each separately, and add together.
How much paint do I need for a fence?
For a 6-foot privacy fence, calculate: length × height × 2 (for both sides) = total square feet. A 100-foot fence needs approximately 8 gallons for two coats. Wood fences are porous and absorb more paint, so use coverage rates of 200-300 sq ft/gallon.
What’s the difference between interior and exterior paint?
Exterior paint contains additives for UV resistance, mildew prevention, and flexibility for temperature changes. Interior paint focuses on washability, low VOCs, and stain resistance. Never use interior paint outside—it won’t withstand weather exposure. Exterior paint can sometimes be used indoors but may have stronger odors.
How long does paint last once opened?
Properly sealed latex paint lasts 2-10 years once opened. Store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly sealed. Never freeze latex paint. Oil-based paints can last up to 15 years. Check for foul odors, lumps, or separation before using stored paint—these indicate spoilage.
Should I buy a quart or gallon of paint?
A quart covers approximately 100 square feet—enough for an accent wall, door, or small touch-up project. For anything larger, gallons are more cost-effective. Calculate your exact needs first, then round up to the nearest container size, keeping extra for touch-ups.
How do I estimate paint for exterior trim?
As a rule of thumb, budget 1 gallon of trim paint for every 8 gallons of body paint. For precise estimation, measure total linear feet of trim, multiply by the average width (6 inches = 0.5 feet), and divide by coverage rate (approximately 400-450 sq ft/gallon for semi-gloss).
Additional Resources
Sherwin-Williams Paint CalculatorOfficial calculator with custom and quick options
Benjamin Moore Paint CalculatorSimple calculator for walls and trim
Behr Paint CalculatorInterior, exterior, and stain estimates
KILZ Primer CalculatorPrimer and paint needs estimator
Lowe’s Paint CalculatorIncludes man-hours estimation
HomeAdvisor Paint CalculatorDIY and professional cost estimates
EPA Lead Paint InformationSafety guidelines for older homes
PPG Paint CalculatorProfessional-grade paint estimates
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