Paint Coverage Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate how much paint you'll need for your next project. Accurate estimation helps you avoid buying too much or too little paint, saving time and money.
Measure the total length of all walls you plan to paint. For a rectangular room, add the length of all four walls.
Measure the height of the walls from floor to ceiling. Standard wall height is often 8 feet.
Typically, two coats are recommended for good coverage, especially when changing colors or painting new surfaces.
This information is usually found on the paint can label. A common range is 300-400 sq ft per gallon.
Understanding Paint Coverage
Estimating the right amount of paint for your project is crucial for a smooth and efficient painting process. Buying too little means unexpected trips to the store, while buying too much leads to wasted money and storage issues. Our Paint Coverage Calculator helps you get it right the first time.
How to Use This Calculator
- Total Wall Length (feet): Measure the length of each wall you intend to paint and sum them up. For example, if you have a room that is 10 feet by 12 feet, the total perimeter would be (10 + 12 + 10 + 12) = 44 feet.
- Wall Height (feet): Measure the height from the floor to the ceiling. Most standard rooms have an 8-foot ceiling.
- Number of Coats: Most painting projects require at least two coats for optimal color depth and durability. If you're painting over a very dark color with a light one, or painting new, unprimed drywall, you might even consider three coats.
- Coverage per Gallon (square feet): This is a critical piece of information found on the paint can label. It tells you how many square feet one gallon of that specific paint is expected to cover with one coat. Typical values range from 300 to 400 square feet per gallon, but it can vary based on paint type and quality.
Factors Affecting Paint Coverage
While the calculator provides a solid estimate, several factors can influence the actual amount of paint you'll need:
- Surface Porosity: New drywall or unprimed surfaces will absorb more paint than previously painted, primed, or smooth surfaces.
- Color Change: Painting a light color over a dark one, or vice-versa, often requires more coats to achieve full opacity.
- Paint Quality: Higher quality paints often have better hiding power and may cover more area per gallon.
- Application Method: Rollers typically provide better coverage than brushes, while sprayers can use more paint due to overspray.
- Waste: Spills, drips, and paint left in rollers or trays can slightly increase the total amount needed.
Example Calculation
Let's say you're painting a room with the following dimensions:
- Room dimensions: 10 feet by 12 feet
- Wall Height: 8 feet
- Number of Coats: 2
- Paint Coverage: 350 sq ft per gallon
First, calculate the total wall length: (10 + 12) * 2 = 44 feet.
Next, calculate the total surface area: 44 feet (length) * 8 feet (height) = 352 square feet.
Now, factor in the number of coats: 352 sq ft * 2 coats = 704 square feet of total coverage needed.
Finally, divide by the paint's coverage per gallon: 704 sq ft / 350 sq ft/gallon = 2.01 gallons.
Based on this, you would need approximately 2.01 gallons of paint. It's always a good idea to round up to the nearest whole gallon, so you would purchase 3 gallons to be safe and have some for touch-ups.
Tips for Your Painting Project
- Always buy a little extra paint than calculated. It's better to have a small amount leftover for touch-ups than to run out mid-project.
- Keep a record of the paint color, brand, and sheen for future reference.
- Proper surface preparation (cleaning, patching, priming) can significantly improve paint adhesion and coverage.