Paint Calculator
Calculate how much paint you need for your project. This calculator helps estimate the amount of paint required to cover walls, ceilings, and other surfaces based on room dimensions and paint coverage.
Paint Estimate
Paint Coverage Guide
| Paint Type | Coverage (sq ft/gallon) | Recommended Coats |
|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matte | 300-400 | 1-2 |
| Eggshell | 300-350 | 2 |
| Satin | 300-350 | 2 |
| Semi-Gloss | 300-350 | 2 |
| High-Gloss | 250-300 | 2-3 |
| Primer | 200-300 | 1 |
About Paint Calculator
Our paint calculator helps you estimate how much paint you'll need for your painting project. Whether you're painting interior walls or exterior surfaces, this tool provides an accurate estimate based on the dimensions of your space and the type of paint you're using.
How to Calculate Paint Needed
Paint calculation is based on the total surface area to be painted and the coverage rate of the paint you're using. The basic formula is:
Gallons of Paint Needed = (Total Paintable Area in Square Feet) / (Coverage per Gallon in Square Feet)
For Interior Paint:
1. Calculate the perimeter of the room: (Length + Width) × 2
2. Calculate wall area: Perimeter × Height
3. Subtract area of doors and windows (standard door = 20 sq ft, window = 15 sq ft)
4. Multiply by number of coats
5. Divide by paint coverage rate
For Exterior Paint:
1. Calculate the perimeter of the house: (Length + Width) × 2
2. Calculate wall area: Perimeter × Height × Number of Stories
3. Subtract area of doors and windows (standard door = 20 sq ft, window = 15 sq ft)
4. Multiply by number of coats
5. Divide by paint coverage rate
Tips for Painting
- Always buy 10-20% more paint than calculated to account for errors and touch-ups
- Different surfaces may require different amounts of paint (textured walls absorb more)
- Dark colors may require more coats for full coverage
- Proper surface preparation can improve paint coverage
- Consider using a primer for better adhesion and coverage
Factors Affecting Paint Coverage
Several factors can affect how much paint you'll actually need for your project:
- Surface texture: Rough surfaces require more paint than smooth ones
- Paint color: Dark colors and reds/yellows often require more coats
- Paint quality: Higher quality paints typically have better coverage
- Application method: Rollers typically provide better coverage than brushes
- Surface porosity: Unprimed drywall or bare wood absorbs more paint