How Much Paint Do I Need Calculator

David Chen, CFA
Home Improvement & Financial Analyst • Fact Checked

Stop guessing and start painting. Our professional-grade “How Much Paint Do I Need Calculator” helps you estimate the exact quantity of paint required for your project, saving you money and reducing waste.

How Much Paint Do I Need Calculator

Estimated Result
Please fill in at least 3 fields to calculate the missing value.

How Much Paint Do I Need Calculator Formula:

Gallons Needed = (Total Surface Area × Number of Coats) / Coverage per Gallon

Reference Sources: Sherwin-Williams Tool, Behr Estimation Guide.

Variables:

  • Total Surface Area: The combined square footage of all walls and ceilings you plan to paint.
  • Number of Coats: Usually 2 for a professional finish, though dark colors might need 3.
  • Coverage per Gallon: The standard is approximately 350-400 sq ft per gallon depending on paint quality.
  • Total Gallons Needed: The final volume of paint required for the entire project.

Related Calculators:

What is How Much Paint Do I Need Calculator?

A paint calculator is a digital tool designed to help homeowners and contractors determine the volume of paint required for a specific job. It takes into account the dimensions of the room, the number of coats, and the spreading rate of the paint product used.

Using a calculator ensures you don’t over-purchase (wasting money and creating storage issues) or under-purchase (which causes color inconsistencies if batches don’t match exactly).

How to Calculate (Example):

  1. Measure the height and width of your walls. A room with 10ft high walls and a 40ft perimeter has 400 sq ft.
  2. Subtract areas for windows (~15 sq ft each) and doors (~20 sq ft each).
  3. Decide on coats (e.g., 2 coats). Total painting area = 400 x 2 = 800 sq ft.
  4. Divide by coverage (e.g., 350 sq ft/gal). 800 / 350 = 2.28 Gallons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

How many square feet does 1 gallon cover? Standard latex paint covers between 350 and 400 square feet per gallon on a smooth surface.
Should I subtract windows and doors? Yes, for an accurate estimate, subtract 20 sq ft for each standard door and 15 sq ft for each standard window.
Why do I need two coats of paint? The first coat provides a base and color, while the second coat ensures uniform thickness and durability.
What if I’m painting a porous surface? Porous surfaces like new drywall or brick soak up more paint. Expect coverage to drop to 250-300 sq ft per gallon.
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