Paint Coverage Calculator

  • 1 Coat
  • 2 Coats (Recommended)
  • 3 Coats
  • Premium (400 sq ft/gal)
  • Standard (350 sq ft/gal)
  • Budget (300 sq ft/gal)
  • Dark/Textured (250 sq ft/gal)
Results
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Determining how much paint to buy is the first step in any interior or exterior painting project. Our Paint Coverage Calculator takes the guesswork out of budgeting by computing exactly how many gallons you need based on your wall area, ceiling area, desired number of coats, and the coverage rate of your chosen paint.

To use the calculator, measure the total wall surface area (length × height of each wall minus openings), measure ceiling area separately, then select how many coats you plan to apply. Two coats is standard for a uniform finish, especially when changing colors significantly. For dark or textured surfaces, three coats may be needed.

Paint coverage varies significantly by quality. Premium acrylic latex paints contain more pigment and solids, covering 350-400 square feet per gallon. Budget paints cover 250-300 sq ft and often require more coats for full coverage. Dark colors (deep reds, browns, navy) always need extra coats, while lighter pastels typically achieve full coverage in two coats over a primed surface.

When purchasing, always buy a little extra — usually 10% more than the calculated amount. This ensures color consistency from the same batch and gives you paint for touch-ups later. Most paint stores offer a return policy for unopened gallons, so buying extra is low-risk.

Formula
Gallons Needed = (Wall Area + Ceiling Area) × Coats ÷ Coverage per Gallon

Domande Frequenti

How much does a gallon of paint cover?
Most interior latex paints cover 300-400 square feet per gallon. Premium paints with higher solids content cover better, while budget paints and dark colors may only cover 250-300 sq ft per gallon.
Do I need primer and is it included?
This calculator estimates topcoat paint only. You'll need primer (generally 200-300 sq ft/gal) if painting over bare drywall, dark colors, glossy surfaces, or stains. Plan for 1 primer coat before your finish coats.
Should I subtract doors and windows from wall area?
For accuracy, subtract about 20 sq ft per door and 15 sq ft per average window from your wall area. However, the extra paint you save often isn't worth the math — most people just add a small buffer instead.
Is ceiling paint different from wall paint?
Yes — ceiling paint is usually flatter/matte to hide imperfections, while wall paint comes in various sheens. They also cover at different rates. Measure ceilings separately and use this calculator twice for accurate estimates.