Paint Calculator
Calculate how much paint you need for your project with accurate coverage estimates.
Calculate Paint Requirements
Enter your room details below to get accurate paint estimates
Paint Estimate
Related Calculators
Explore other useful calculators that might help you
Length Converter
Convert between different units of length and distance
Percentage Calculator
Calculate percentages of numbers
Discount Calculator
Calculate discounts and sale prices
Understanding Paint Coverage
Everything you need to know for a successful painting project
Standard Coverage Rates
When You Need More Paint
Rough surfaces absorb more paint
Major color shifts need extra coats
Fresh drywall is very absorbent
Thinner paints require more coats
Overspray increases paint usage
Related Calculators
Explore other useful calculators that might help you
Percentage Calculator
Calculate percentages of numbers
Discount Calculator
Calculate discounts and sale prices
Length Converter
Convert between different units of length and distance
Understanding Paint Coverage
Standard Coverage Rates
- Premium Paint: 400-450 sq ft per gallon
- Standard Paint: 350-400 sq ft per gallon
- Budget Paint: 300-350 sq ft per gallon
- Primer: 300-400 sq ft per gallon
Factors Affecting Coverage
- • Surface texture and porosity
- • Paint quality and thickness
- • Application method (brush, roller, spray)
- • Color change intensity
- • Surface preparation quality
When You Need More Paint
- • Textured or porous surfaces
- • Dark to light color changes
- • First-time painting over new drywall
- • Using lower-quality paint
- • Spray application method
Professional Tips
- • Always buy 10-15% extra paint
- • Keep leftover paint for touch-ups
- • Consider primer for better coverage
- • Test coverage on a small area first
Paint Types and Applications
Interior Paint
Best for ceilings and low-traffic areas. Hides imperfections well but harder to clean.
Slight sheen, good for living rooms and bedrooms. Easy to clean.
Durable finish for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
Very durable, perfect for trim, doors, and cabinets.
Exterior Paint
Good for siding with imperfections. Less durable than other finishes.
Most popular for exterior walls. Good balance of durability and appearance.
Excellent for trim, shutters, and doors. Very weather resistant.
Maximum durability for high-wear areas like railings and metal surfaces.
Specialty Paints
Essential for new surfaces, color changes, and stain blocking.
Formulated to reduce drips and provide even coverage overhead.
Mold and mildew resistant for high-humidity environments.
Creates vintage, matte finish. Popular for furniture projects.
Accurate Measurement Tips
Measuring Your Room
Use a tape measure to get the length and height of each wall. Measure to the nearest inch for accuracy.
Multiply length × height for each wall. Add all wall areas together for total square footage.
Measure and subtract doors (typically 20 sq ft) and windows (varies by size) from total area.
Add 10-15% extra for textured surfaces or if you're inexperienced with painting.
Common Measurement Mistakes
Textured walls like orange peel or knockdown require 10-20% more paint than smooth surfaces.
Baseboards, crown molding, and window trim add significant surface area, especially with multiple coats.
Color changes often require 2-3 coats. Dark to light colors may need primer plus two finish coats.
Always account for 10-15% waste from spills, touch-ups, and application inefficiency.
Paint Cost and Budgeting
Paint Price Ranges (per gallon)
Premium paint often covers better and lasts longer, potentially saving money in the long run despite higher upfront cost.
Additional Costs to Consider
Plan for paint to be 60-70% of your total project cost, with supplies and prep materials making up the remainder.
Environmental & Safety Tips
Eco-Friendly Options
- • Low-VOC or Zero-VOC paints
- • Natural and organic paint options
- • Recycled paint programs
- • Water-based vs. oil-based considerations
- • Proper disposal of leftover paint
Safety Precautions
- • Ensure proper ventilation
- • Wear protective equipment
- • Keep paint away from children/pets
- • Use lead-safe practices in older homes
- • Store paint properly between coats
Storage Tips
- • Store in cool, dry place
- • Keep containers tightly sealed
- • Label with color and date
- • Freeze protection in cold climates
- • Save small amounts for touch-ups