Construction

Paint Calculator

Determine the exact amount of paint needed for walls, ceilings, and rooms based on dimensions and openings

Room Dimensions

ft
ft
ft

Openings to Exclude

Paint Options

sq ft/gal

Calculate Exactly How Much Paint You Need

Planning a painting project? Our paint calculator helps you determine the precise amount of paint needed for any room or surface. Avoid buying too much or running short mid-project by calculating based on your room dimensions, number of doors and windows, and desired number of coats. Get accurate estimates in gallons or liters with cost projections.

How Paint Coverage Works

Paint coverage varies by type and surface, but most interior latex paints cover approximately 350-400 square feet per gallon on smooth surfaces. Textured walls, porous surfaces, or dramatic color changes may require more paint. We calculate the paintable area by measuring walls (and optionally ceilings), then subtracting doors and windows to give you an accurate estimate.

Paint Calculation Formula

Paint Needed = (Wall Area + Ceiling Area - Doors/Windows) × Coats ÷ Coverage Rate

How to Calculate Paint Needed

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Common Use Cases

DIY Home Projects

Plan your painting project with accurate paint quantities before heading to the store.

Contractor Estimates

Create accurate material quotes for painting jobs and avoid under or over-ordering.

Budget Planning

Estimate total paint costs across different quality levels before starting your project.

Multi-Room Projects

Calculate paint needs for multiple rooms to buy in bulk and save money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most projects require 2 coats for even coverage and durability. Use 1 coat only for touch-ups or repainting the same color. Consider 3 coats when covering dark colors with light, using deep/bold colors, or painting over bare drywall.