Paint Calculator 2026

Understanding **paint coverage** is essential for accurate paint calculations and budget planning. Coverage rates vary significantly based on paint type, surface texture, and application method. ### Paint Coverage by Finish Type **Flat/Matte Paint:** - **Coverage:** 300-400 square feet per gallon - **Best for:** Ceilings, low-traffic areas, hiding imperfections - **Characteristics:** Absorbs light, hides surface flaws, easiest to touch up - **Why higher coverage:** Thicker consistency, less reflective surface **Eggshell Paint:** - **Coverage:** 300-350 square feet per gallon - **Best for:** Living rooms, bedrooms, moderate-traffic areas - **Characteristics:** Subtle sheen, washable, good balance of coverage and durability - **Application:** Works well on smooth and lightly textured surfaces **Satin Paint:** - **Coverage:** 300-350 square feet per gallon - **Best for:** Kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas - **Characteristics:** Noticeable sheen, highly washable, durable - **Note:** May require more careful application for uniform appearance **Semi-Gloss Paint:** - **Coverage:** 250-300 square feet per gallon - **Best for:** Trim, doors, cabinets, high-moisture areas - **Characteristics:** High sheen, very durable, easy to clean - **Why lower coverage:** More reflective, may need additional coats for uniform finish **Gloss/High-Gloss Paint:** - **Coverage:** 250-300 square feet per gallon - **Best for:** Furniture, high-traffic trim, areas needing maximum durability - **Characteristics:** Highest sheen, extremely durable, shows imperfections - **Application:** Requires careful surface preparation and multiple thin coats ### Factors Affecting Paint Coverage **1. Surface Texture** | Surface Type | Coverage Impact | Adjustment Factor | |--------------|-----------------|-------------------| | Smooth (drywall, primed) | Standard | 1.0x (base rate) | | Light texture (orange peel) | Slightly reduced | 0.9x (10% more paint) | | Medium texture (knockdown) | Reduced | 0.85x (15% more paint) | | Heavy texture (popcorn, stucco) | Significantly reduced | 0.7-0.8x (20-30% more paint) | | Rough/porous (brick, concrete) | Much reduced | 0.6-0.7x (30-40% more paint) | **2. Surface Porosity** - **Non-porous surfaces** (previously painted, sealed): Standard coverage - **Porous surfaces** (new drywall, bare wood): 20-30% less coverage (needs primer) - **Highly porous** (unsealed concrete, brick): 40-50% less coverage **3. Application Method** - **Roller application:** Standard coverage (what most coverage rates assume) - **Brush application:** 10-15% less coverage (more paint used for cutting in) - **Spray application:** 15-20% less coverage (overspray and waste) - **Combination** (roller + brush): Use roller rate, add 10% for brush work **4. Paint Quality** - **Premium paint:** Often better coverage due to higher solids content - **Budget paint:** May require more coats, effectively reducing coverage - **Paint+Primer combos:** May have slightly different coverage than standard paint ### Primer Coverage **Primer Coverage Rates:** - **Standard primer:** 200-300 square feet per gallon - **High-build primer:** 150-200 square feet per gallon (thicker, fills imperfections) - **Stain-blocking primer:** 200-250 square feet per gallon - **Shellac-based primer:** 250-300 square feet per gallon (excellent stain blocking) **When to Use Primer:** 1. **New drywall:** Essential for sealing and uniform base 2. **Bare wood:** Prevents tannin bleed-through, improves paint adhesion 3. **Stained surfaces:** Blocks water, smoke, or marker stains 4. **Color changes:** Especially dark to light or light to dark 5. **Glossy surfaces:** Helps paint adhere to slick surfaces **Primer vs. Paint+Primer:** - **Dedicated primer:** Better for problem surfaces, more reliable - **Paint+Primer combo:** Convenient but may not work as well on difficult surfaces - **Best practice:** Use primer for new or problem surfaces, paint+primer for repaints

Calculating paint needed for a room requires accurate measurements and understanding of what areas need painting. Follow this step-by-step guide for precise calculations. ### Step 1: Measure Room Dimensions **Essential Measurements:** 1. **Room Length:** Measure longest wall 2. **Room Width:** Measure perpendicular wall 3. **Ceiling Height:** Measure from floor to ceiling 4. **Record in same units:** Feet and inches, or meters **Pro Tips:** - Measure at multiple points (rooms aren't always perfectly square) - Use longest measurements to ensure you have enough paint - Round up to nearest inch/foot for safety margin ### Step 2: Calculate Total Wall Area **Formula for Four Walls:** **Total Wall Area = 2 × (Length + Width) × Height** **Example:** - Room: 12 ft × 10 ft × 8 ft high - Calculation: 2 × (12 + 10) × 8 = 2 × 22 × 8 = **352 square feet** **For Irregular Rooms:** - Measure each wall separately - Add all wall areas together - Account for alcoves, bay windows, etc. ### Step 3: Measure and Subtract Non-Paintable Areas **Windows:** - Measure width × height for each window - Standard sizes: 3×4 ft (12 sq ft), 4×4 ft (16 sq ft), 6×4 ft (24 sq ft) - Multiply by number of each size - Subtract from total wall area **Doors:** - Measure width × height for each door - Standard door: 3×7 ft (21 sq ft) - French doors: 6×7 ft (42 sq ft) - Subtract from total wall area **Other Openings:** - Archways, pass-throughs, built-in shelving - Measure and subtract each - Don't forget trim areas (usually painted separately) **Example Subtraction:** - Total wall area: 352 sq ft - 2 windows (3×4 ft each): 2 × 12 = 24 sq ft - 1 door (3×7 ft): 21 sq ft - **Paintable area: 352 - 24 - 21 = 307 sq ft** ### Step 4: Add Ceiling (If Painting) **Ceiling Area:** **Ceiling Area = Length × Width** **Example:** - Room: 12 ft × 10 ft - Ceiling: 12 × 10 = **120 square feet** **Note:** Ceilings typically use flat/matte paint with different coverage rates. ### Step 5: Calculate Paint Needed **Basic Formula:** **Paint Needed (gallons) = (Paintable Area ÷ Coverage per gallon) × Number of Coats** **Example Calculation:** - Paintable area: 307 sq ft (walls) + 120 sq ft (ceiling) = 427 sq ft - Coverage: 350 sq ft per gallon - Coats: 2 - Calculation: (427 ÷ 350) × 2 = 1.22 × 2 = **2.44 gallons** ### Step 6: Add Waste Factor **Why Add Waste:** - Cutting in edges and corners uses more paint - Paint tray and roller saturation - Spills and mistakes - Touch-ups needed later **Waste Factors:** - **10%:** Experienced painters, simple rooms - **15%:** Average DIY, standard rooms - **20%:** Complex rooms, textured surfaces, beginners **Final Calculation:** - Base paint needed: 2.44 gallons - Add 15% waste: 2.44 × 1.15 = **2.81 gallons** - **Round up to 3 gallons** (always round up, never down) ### Step 7: Account for Different Surfaces **If Room Has Multiple Surface Types:** 1. **Calculate each surface separately:** - Smooth walls: Use standard coverage - Textured walls: Reduce coverage by 20-30% - Ceiling: Use flat paint coverage rate - Trim: Calculate separately (different paint, different coverage) 2. **Add totals together:** - Sum all paint needs - Consider buying larger containers for same color ### Quick Reference: Standard Room Sizes | Room Size | Wall Area (8ft ceiling) | Paint Needed (2 coats, 350 sq ft/gal) | |-----------|-------------------------|---------------------------------------| | 10×10 ft | 320 sq ft | 2 gallons | | 12×12 ft | 384 sq ft | 2.5 gallons | | 14×14 ft | 448 sq ft | 3 gallons | | 16×16 ft | 512 sq ft | 3.5 gallons | | 12×15 ft | 432 sq ft | 2.5-3 gallons | *Note: These assume standard 8ft ceilings, 2 windows, 1 door, and include 15% waste factor.*

Different paint types have different coverage rates, durability, and application requirements. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right paint and calculate accurate quantities. ### Interior Paint Types **1. Flat/Matte Paint** **Coverage:** 300-400 sq ft per gallon **Best For:** Ceilings, low-traffic areas, hiding imperfections **Characteristics:** - No sheen, absorbs light - Best at hiding surface flaws - Easiest to touch up - Less durable, harder to clean - Not recommended for high-moisture areas **When to Use:** - Ceilings (standard choice) - Low-traffic bedrooms - Formal living rooms - Areas with imperfect walls **2. Eggshell Paint** **Coverage:** 300-350 sq ft per gallon **Best For:** Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms **Characteristics:** - Subtle sheen (10-25% gloss) - More washable than flat - Good balance of appearance and durability - Hides minor imperfections - Popular choice for most interior walls **When to Use:** - Most interior walls - Moderate-traffic areas - When you want slight sheen without gloss **3. Satin Paint** **Coverage:** 300-350 sq ft per gallon **Best For:** Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, kids' rooms **Characteristics:** - Noticeable sheen (25-35% gloss) - Highly washable and durable - Resists moisture and stains - Shows more surface imperfections than flat/eggshell - Professional appearance **When to Use:** - High-traffic areas - Kitchens and bathrooms - Children's rooms - Areas needing frequent cleaning **4. Semi-Gloss Paint** **Coverage:** 250-300 sq ft per gallon **Best For:** Trim, doors, cabinets, high-moisture areas **Characteristics:** - High sheen (35-70% gloss) - Very durable and washable - Resistant to moisture and stains - Shows all surface imperfections - Professional, polished look **When to Use:** - Baseboards and trim - Interior doors - Kitchen and bathroom cabinets - Window frames - High-moisture areas **5. Gloss/High-Gloss Paint** **Coverage:** 250-300 sq ft per gallon **Best For:** Furniture, decorative trim, high-traffic commercial areas **Characteristics:** - Highest sheen (70-90% gloss) - Extremely durable - Easiest to clean - Shows every imperfection - Requires perfect surface preparation **When to Use:** - Decorative furniture - Specialty trim work - Commercial applications - When maximum durability needed ### Exterior Paint Types **1. Flat Exterior Paint** **Coverage:** 250-300 sq ft per gallon **Best For:** Siding, stucco, areas needing to hide imperfections **Characteristics:** - No sheen, hides flaws - Less durable than satin/gloss - May fade faster - Good for older homes with surface issues **2. Satin Exterior Paint** **Coverage:** 250-300 sq ft per gallon **Best For:** Most exterior surfaces, best balance **Characteristics:** - Moderate sheen - Good durability - Washable - Most popular exterior choice **3. Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint** **Coverage:** 200-250 sq ft per gallon **Best For:** Trim, doors, shutters, high-moisture areas **Characteristics:** - High sheen - Maximum durability - Best moisture resistance - Easiest to clean ### Specialty Paints **1. Primer** **Coverage:** 200-300 sq ft per gallon **Types:** - **Standard primer:** General purpose, 200-250 sq ft/gal - **High-build primer:** Fills imperfections, 150-200 sq ft/gal - **Stain-blocking primer:** Blocks stains, 200-250 sq ft/gal - **Shellac primer:** Best stain blocking, 250-300 sq ft/gal **2. Paint+Primer Combo** **Coverage:** Similar to standard paint (300-350 sq ft/gal) **Best For:** Repainting previously painted surfaces **Note:** May not work as well as dedicated primer on problem surfaces **3. Chalk Paint** **Coverage:** 100-150 sq ft per gallon (much less!) **Best For:** Furniture, decorative pieces **Note:** Requires significantly more paint, calculate separately ### Paint Quality and Coverage **Premium Paint:** - Higher solids content = better coverage - May cover in fewer coats - Better color consistency - More expensive but may use less overall **Budget Paint:** - Lower solids content - May require more coats - Less consistent coverage - Cheaper but may need more gallons **Mid-Range Paint:** - Good balance of price and performance - Standard coverage rates apply - Most popular choice for DIY projects

Estimating the total cost of a painting project involves more than just paint. Understanding all cost components helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. ### Paint Cost Breakdown **1. Paint Costs** **Interior Paint Prices (per gallon):** - **Budget paint:** $15-25 per gallon - **Mid-range paint:** $25-40 per gallon - **Premium paint:** $40-60+ per gallon - **Paint+Primer combo:** $30-50 per gallon **Exterior Paint Prices (per gallon):** - **Budget paint:** $20-30 per gallon - **Mid-range paint:** $30-50 per gallon - **Premium paint:** $50-80+ per gallon **Buying in Bulk:** - **5-gallon buckets:** Usually 10-15% cheaper per gallon - **Best for:** Multiple rooms same color, large projects - **Consider:** Storage and color matching if you need more later **2. Primer Costs** - **Standard primer:** $15-30 per gallon - **High-build primer:** $25-40 per gallon - **Stain-blocking primer:** $20-35 per gallon - **Shellac primer:** $30-50 per gallon **3. Supplies and Materials** **Essential Supplies:** - **Rollers and covers:** $5-15 per set - **Paint brushes:** $5-20 each (quality varies) - **Paint trays:** $3-8 each - **Drop cloths:** $10-30 - **Painter's tape:** $5-10 per roll - **Sandpaper:** $5-15 - **Caulk:** $3-8 per tube **Total Supplies:** $50-150 for typical room project **4. Tools (If You Don't Own)** **Basic Tools:** - **Ladder or step stool:** $30-100 - **Extension pole for roller:** $10-25 - **Paint can opener/stirrer:** $2-5 - **Putty knife:** $3-8 - **Sanding block:** $3-8 **Total Tools:** $50-150 (one-time purchase) ### Total Cost Examples **Small Room (10×10 ft, 8ft ceiling):** | Item | Quantity | Cost | |------|----------|------| | Paint (mid-range) | 2 gallons | $60 | | Primer | 1 gallon | $25 | | Supplies | - | $75 | | **Total** | - | **$160** | **Medium Room (12×15 ft, 8ft ceiling):** | Item | Quantity | Cost | |------|----------|------| | Paint (mid-range) | 3 gallons | $90 | | Primer | 1 gallon | $25 | | Supplies | - | $100 | | **Total** | - | **$215** | **Large Room (16×20 ft, 9ft ceiling):** | Item | Quantity | Cost | |------|----------|------| | Paint (mid-range) | 4-5 gallons | $120-150 | | Primer | 2 gallons | $50 | | Supplies | - | $125 | | **Total** | - | **$295-325** | **Whole House Interior (1,500 sq ft):** | Item | Quantity | Cost | |------|----------|------| | Paint (mid-range) | 15-20 gallons | $450-600 | | Primer | 5 gallons | $125 | | Supplies | - | $200 | | **Total** | - | **$775-925** | ### Cost-Saving Tips **1. Buy Paint in Bulk** - 5-gallon buckets save 10-15% per gallon - Better for large projects or multiple rooms same color - Ensure you have enough (harder to match later) **2. Wait for Sales** - Paint stores often have sales (20-30% off) - Spring and fall are common sale seasons - Sign up for store newsletters for alerts **3. Use Paint+Primer Combo** - Saves on primer cost - May not work as well on problem surfaces - Good for repainting previously painted walls **4. Buy Quality Brushes and Rollers** - Better tools = less waste and better results - Reusable for multiple projects - Worth the investment **5. Calculate Accurately** - Avoid buying too much (waste money) - Avoid buying too little (multiple trips, color matching issues) - Use our calculator for precise estimates **6. Do Prep Work Yourself** - Cleaning, sanding, patching saves on labor if hiring - Proper prep ensures paint goes further ### Hiring a Painter: Cost Comparison **DIY vs. Professional:** **DIY Costs:** - Materials only: $200-500 per room - Your time: 1-3 days per room - Risk of mistakes: May need to redo **Professional Costs:** - Labor: $2-6 per square foot - Materials: Included or separate - Typical room (300 sq ft): $600-1,800 - Whole house: $3,000-10,000+ **When to DIY:** - Small projects (1-2 rooms) - You have time and patience - Budget is tight - Enjoy DIY projects **When to Hire:** - Large projects (whole house) - Limited time - Complex surfaces or high ceilings - Want professional finish

Following professional painting techniques ensures better coverage, fewer coats needed, and a longer-lasting finish. These tips help you get professional-quality results. ### Surface Preparation **1. Clean Surfaces Thoroughly** - **Wash walls** with TSP (trisodium phosphate) or degreaser - **Remove grease, dirt, and grime** (especially in kitchens) - **Rinse and let dry completely** before painting - **Dust and vacuum** to remove loose particles **Why it matters:** Clean surfaces ensure paint adheres properly and lasts longer. **2. Repair Imperfections** - **Fill holes and cracks** with spackle or joint compound - **Sand smooth** after patching - **Sand glossy surfaces** for better paint adhesion - **Remove loose paint** and sand edges smooth **Why it matters:** Imperfections show through paint, especially with higher sheen finishes. **3. Prime Problem Areas** - **Prime new drywall** (essential) - **Prime stained areas** (water, smoke, marker stains) - **Prime bare wood** (prevents tannin bleed) - **Prime dramatic color changes** (dark to light or vice versa) **Why it matters:** Primer ensures uniform base, blocks stains, improves adhesion. ### Application Techniques **1. Use the Right Tools** **For Large Areas (Walls, Ceilings):** - **Roller with extension pole** for efficiency - **9-inch roller** for most walls - **4-6 inch roller** for smaller areas - **High-quality roller covers** (synthetic for latex, natural for oil) **For Edges and Trim:** - **2-3 inch angled brush** for cutting in - **High-quality brushes** (synthetic for latex, natural bristle for oil) - **Paint edger tool** for straight lines (optional) **2. Cutting In Technique** - **Cut in edges first** (ceiling, corners, trim) before rolling - **Use 2-3 inch brush** for precision - **Work in 2-3 foot sections** to maintain wet edge - **Don't let cut-in dry** before rolling adjacent area **Why it matters:** Prevents visible brush marks and ensures seamless finish. **3. Rolling Technique** - **Load roller evenly** (don't over-saturate) - **Start from top, work down** in vertical strips - **Overlap each pass** by 50% for even coverage - **Maintain wet edge** (don't let paint dry between sections) - **Use "W" or "M" pattern** then fill in for even distribution **Why it matters:** Ensures uniform coverage and prevents roller marks. ### Paint Application Best Practices **1. Temperature and Humidity** - **Ideal temperature:** 50-85°F (10-29°C) - **Low humidity:** Below 50% for best results - **Avoid extreme temperatures** (paint won't cure properly) - **Ensure good ventilation** (especially with oil-based paint) **2. Number of Coats** - **First coat:** May look uneven (normal) - **Second coat:** Provides full coverage and color depth - **Wait between coats:** 2-4 hours for latex, 24 hours for oil - **Light sanding between coats** (optional, for ultra-smooth finish) **3. Paint Consistency** - **Stir paint thoroughly** before and during use - **Don't thin paint** unless manufacturer recommends - **Maintain consistent thickness** throughout project - **Use paint from same batch** for color consistency ### Common Mistakes to Avoid **1. Skipping Prep Work** - **Mistake:** Painting over dirty, unprepared surfaces - **Result:** Poor adhesion, paint failure, visible imperfections - **Fix:** Always clean, repair, and prime properly **2. Using Wrong Paint Type** - **Mistake:** Using interior paint outside, or wrong sheen for area - **Result:** Paint failure, poor durability, need to repaint - **Fix:** Choose appropriate paint for surface and location **3. Not Buying Enough Paint** - **Mistake:** Buying exact calculated amount - **Result:** Running short, color matching issues, multiple store trips - **Fix:** Always buy 10-15% extra, round up **4. Poor Cutting In** - **Mistake:** Not cutting in edges properly before rolling - **Result:** Visible brush marks, uneven edges, unprofessional look - **Fix:** Cut in all edges first, maintain wet edge **5. Rushing the Job** - **Mistake:** Not waiting for coats to dry, rushing application - **Result:** Paint failure, poor finish, need to redo - **Fix:** Follow manufacturer's drying times, be patient ### Maintenance and Touch-Ups **1. Keep Leftover Paint** - **Store properly** (seal can tightly, store upside down) - **Label with room and date** - **Keep for future touch-ups** (scratches, marks) - **Use within 2-3 years** (paint can go bad) **2. Touch-Up Techniques** - **Clean area first** (remove dirt, grease) - **Light sanding** if area is glossy - **Use same paint** from original project - **Feather edges** to blend with existing paint - **May need to repaint entire wall** if touch-up is too noticeable **3. Regular Maintenance** - **Clean painted surfaces** regularly (especially kitchens, bathrooms) - **Touch up scratches** promptly to prevent further damage - **Repaint high-traffic areas** every 3-5 years - **Repaint entire room** every 7-10 years (or as needed)