Estimate how many gallons of paint you need based on square footage, number of coats, paint coverage, and extra waste.
To estimate paint needed, multiply the paintable square footage by the number of coats, then divide by the paint coverage per gallon.
Formula: area × coats ÷ coverage per gallon = gallons of paint
Example: 500 sq ft × 2 coats ÷ 350 sq ft per gallon = about 2.86 gallons.
| Paintable Area | Coats | Approx. Gallons |
|---|---|---|
| 350 sq ft | 1 | 1 gallon |
| 700 sq ft | 1 | 2 gallons |
| 500 sq ft | 2 | 2.9 gallons |
| 1,000 sq ft | 2 | 5.7 gallons |
Most paint covers around 300 to 400 square feet per gallon per coat. Rough, porous, textured, or unprimed surfaces may require more paint.
Use this paint calculator for bedrooms, living rooms, garages, exterior walls, fences, trim projects, rental turnovers, and jobsite material planning.
Many paints cover about 300 to 400 square feet per gallon per coat, depending on paint type and surface condition.
Yes. Adding 5% to 10% extra can help cover waste, touch-ups, and uneven surfaces.
No. For a more accurate estimate, subtract doors, windows, cabinets, and other areas you will not paint.
Yes. Paint is usually sold in quarts, gallons, and 5-gallon buckets, so round up based on the container size you plan to buy.