Paint Calculator

Calculate paint coverage, quantity needed, and project costs for any painting project. Professional estimates for rooms, walls, and surfaces.

Paint & Surface Settings

Configure paint type and surface conditions for accurate calculations

Paint Type

Surface Condition

Number of Coats

Use Primer?

Paint Price ($/gallon)

Primer Price ($/gallon)

Room Calculator

Calculate paint needed for a complete room including walls and ceiling

Room Dimensions

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Height (ft)

Doors & Windows

Number of Doors

Number of Windows

Individual Walls

Calculate paint for specific walls with precise measurements

Wall 1

Length (ft)

Height (ft)

Area

0 sq ft

Wall 2

Length (ft)

Height (ft)

Area

0 sq ft

Wall 3

Length (ft)

Height (ft)

Area

0 sq ft

Wall 4

Length (ft)

Height (ft)

Area

0 sq ft

Single Surface

Calculate paint for a single surface or area

Length (ft)

Width/Height (ft)

Surface Type

Key Features

Room, wall, and surface calculators

Accurate coverage calculations

Cost estimation with breakdown

Professional recommendations

Surface condition adjustments

Understanding Paint Coverage

Standard Coverage: 350-400 sq ft per gallon for smooth surfaces

Surface Impact: Textured surfaces reduce coverage by 10-15%

Coat Requirements: Two coats recommended for even coverage

Primer Usage: Improves adhesion and reduces paint needed

Tips & Strategies

Buy Extra: Always purchase 10-15% more paint than calculated

Quality Matters: Higher quality paint covers better and lasts longer

Prep Work: Clean surfaces and use primer for best results

Test First: Try paint on a small area to check coverage

Weather Conditions: Avoid painting in extreme temperatures

Tool Quality: Use quality brushes and rollers for even application

Drying Time: Allow proper drying time between coats

Edge Cutting: Cut in edges before rolling for clean lines

How to Use the Paint Calculator

Calculate paint requirements for interior and exterior painting projects with accuracy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Measure Room Dimensions: Enter the length, width, and height of the room you want to paint.

Account for Openings: Input the number and size of doors and windows to subtract from total surface area.

Set Coverage Rate: Adjust coverage rate based on paint type and surface texture (typically 300-400 sq ft per gallon).

Choose Coats: Select number of paint coats needed (typically 2 coats for best results) and review your paint requirements.

Pro Tips

🎨

Surface Preparation: Rough or porous surfaces absorb more paint - reduce coverage rate by 10-15% for textured walls.

📏

Extra Paint Buffer: Order 10-15% extra paint to account for touch-ups and future maintenance needs.

🖌️

Primer Considerations: Dark colors over light surfaces may require primer - factor this into your total paint needs.

🔍

Quality Paint: Higher quality paints often provide better coverage, potentially reducing the total gallons needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much paint do I need for a 12x10 room?

For a 12x10 room with 9-foot ceilings, you'll typically need about 2-3 gallons of paint for two coats, depending on the number of doors and windows.

Should I include the ceiling in my calculations?

Our room calculator includes ceiling area by default. If you're only painting walls, use the individual walls calculator for more precise estimates.

How accurate are these paint calculations?

Our calculations use industry-standard coverage rates and account for surface conditions. Always buy 10-15% extra paint to account for touch-ups and variations.

What's the difference between primer and paint coverage?

Primer typically covers less area per gallon (300-350 sq ft) compared to paint (350-400 sq ft) because it's designed to seal and prepare surfaces rather than provide coverage.

How do I calculate paint for textured surfaces?

Textured surfaces require more paint due to increased surface area. Our calculator automatically adjusts coverage rates based on surface condition selection.

Is primer always necessary?

Primer is essential for new surfaces, dramatic color changes, or when switching paint types. It improves adhesion and can reduce the total paint needed.

How much extra paint should I buy?

Always buy 10-15% more paint than calculated to account for touch-ups, minor mistakes, and future maintenance. Store extra paint properly for later use.

Can I mix different paint brands?

It's not recommended to mix different paint brands as they may have different formulations. Stick with one brand and type throughout your project for consistent results.