Paint Calculator

Calculate the amount of paint needed for your walls and make your painting project a success.

Calculator

Enter Your Room Dimensions

Standard coverage is 350 sq ft per gallon

Table of Contents

1 How to Calculate Paint Needed
2 Types of Paint
3 Coverage Tips
4 Practical Examples
Guide

How to Calculate Paint Needed

To calculate the amount of paint needed for your walls, follow these steps:

  1. 1
    Measure the length and width of each wall
  2. 2
    Calculate the total wall area (excluding windows and doors)
  3. 3
    Determine the number of coats needed
  4. 4
    Check the paint coverage rate (usually 350 sq ft per gallon)
  5. 5
    Calculate total paint needed: (Total Area × Number of Coats) ÷ Coverage Rate
Types

Types of Paint

Interior Interior Paint

  • Flat/Matte - Best for ceilings
  • Eggshell - Good for living rooms
  • Satin - Ideal for bathrooms
  • Semi-gloss - Perfect for trim

Exterior Exterior Paint

  • Acrylic - Most common
  • Elastomeric - For masonry
  • Epoxy - For metal surfaces
  • Textured - For stucco
Tips

Coverage Tips

Surface Preparation

  • Clean surfaces thoroughly
  • Repair any damage
  • Sand rough areas
  • Use primer when needed

Application Tips

  • Use quality brushes and rollers
  • Apply paint in thin, even coats
  • Allow proper drying time
  • Maintain consistent temperature
Examples

Practical Examples

Example 1 Small Bedroom

A 12' × 10' bedroom with 8' ceilings:

Wall Area = 2 × (12 + 10) × 8 = 352 sq ft

Paint Needed = (352 × 2 coats) ÷ 350 = 2.01 gallons

Example 2 Living Room

A 15' × 20' living room with 9' ceilings:

Wall Area = 2 × (15 + 20) × 9 = 630 sq ft

Paint Needed = (630 × 2 coats) ÷ 350 = 3.6 gallons

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