Enter Room Details

Standard ceiling height is 8-9 ft (2.4-2.7 m)
Average: $30-60/gallon for quality paint
Paint Needed
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Enter room details to calculate
Wall Area
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Gallons
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Total Cost
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Coverage
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Why Accurate Paint Estimation Matters

Buying the right amount of paint saves money and prevents project delays. Too little paint means extra trips to the store and potential color matching issues. Too much paint wastes money and creates storage problems. Our calculator helps you get it right the first time.

Wall Area = Perimeter × Wall Height Paintable Area = Wall Area − (Doors × 20 sq ft) − (Windows × 15 sq ft) Total Area = Paintable Area × Number of Coats Gallons Needed = Total Area ÷ Coverage per Gallon

Standard Door: ~20 sq ft (3×7 ft average)

Standard Window: ~15 sq ft (3×5 ft average)

Coverage: 300-400 sq ft per gallon (varies by paint type)

Paint Coverage Reference

Different paint types and surfaces affect coverage. Here's what to expect:

Paint Type Coverage (sq ft/gal) Best For Price Range
Economy 300 sq ft Budget projects, primers $20-35/gallon
Standard 350 sq ft General interior walls $30-50/gallon
Premium 400 sq ft High-traffic areas, washable $45-70/gallon
Textured 250 sq ft Textured walls, ceilings $35-55/gallon
Specialty 200-300 sq ft Metal, wood, masonry $40-80/gallon

Pro Tips for Paint Projects

Save Time & Money
  • Buy 10% Extra: Always purchase 10% more than calculated for touch-ups and mistakes
  • Same Batch: Buy all paint at once to ensure color consistency (different batches can vary)
  • Prime First: Use primer on new drywall or dramatic color changes to reduce topcoat needs
  • Quality Brushes: Good brushes/rollers apply paint more evenly and use less paint
  • Two Thin Coats: Better than one thick coat for even coverage and durability
  • Calculate Trim Separately: Baseboards, doors, and windows need different paint amounts
  • Consider Surface Texture: Rough surfaces absorb 10-20% more paint than smooth
  • Keep Leftover Paint: Store properly for future touch-ups (seal tightly, label with room/date)

Why Use This Calculator?

Guessing paint quantities leads to wasted money and frustrated DIYers. Our calculator uses industry-standard coverage rates and accounts for doors, windows, and multiple coats. Use these estimates to budget accurately and shop confidently at any paint store.

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