Room Paint Estimator
Calculate exactly how much paint you need for your room or walls. Save time and money with our precise paint calculator.
Room Dimensions
Paint Estimation Results
Total Paint Required
For your room dimensions and specifications
Wall Area: 0 sq ft
Paintable Area: 0 sq ft
Coverage per gallon: 350 sq ft
Painting Tips & Recommendations
Paint Selection
For most interior walls, a quality latex (water-based) paint with a satin or eggshell finish is recommended. For high-moisture areas like bathrooms, use a paint with mildew resistance.
Preparation
Proper surface preparation is key to a professional finish. Clean walls thoroughly, repair any holes or cracks, and use a high-quality primer for best results, especially when changing colors dramatically.
Buying Extra
It's always wise to buy 10-15% more paint than calculated to account for touch-ups, errors, and future repairs. Keep leftover paint properly sealed for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our paint calculator provides estimates based on standard industry calculations. It accounts for room dimensions, doors, windows, and multiple coats. For textured surfaces or unusual room shapes, you may need additional paint.
For irregularly shaped rooms, break the room down into rectangular sections, calculate each area separately, and then add them together. Don't forget to subtract areas that won't be painted like large windows or doors.
Our calculator uses a standard coverage rate of 350 square feet per gallon for smooth surfaces. Some high-quality paints may offer better coverage, while textured surfaces may require more paint. Always check the coverage information on your specific paint can.
Complete Guide to Calculating Paint Needs
Painting a room can transform its look and feel, but accurately estimating how much paint you need can be challenging. Buying too much paint wastes money, while not buying enough can lead to delays and color matching issues. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to calculate paint requirements for any project.
Understanding Paint Coverage
Most quality paints cover between 300-400 square feet per gallon. However, coverage can vary based on several factors:
- Surface porosity: Unprimed drywall or bare wood absorbs more paint
- Color changes: Dark to light or light to dark transitions may require more coats
- Paint quality: Premium paints often have higher solid content and better coverage
- Surface texture: Textured surfaces require more paint than smooth surfaces
- Application method: Rollers typically provide more efficient coverage than brushes
Step-by-Step Calculation Process
To manually calculate how much paint you need:
- Measure the length of each wall
- Measure the height of the walls
- Calculate the total wall area (length × height)
- Add together the areas of all walls
- Subtract the area of doors, windows, and other openings
- Multiply by the number of coats needed
- Divide by the coverage rate of your chosen paint
Accounting for Doors and Windows
Standard door sizes are approximately 20 square feet, while standard windows are about 15 square feet. Our calculator uses these defaults but allows you to adjust based on your actual openings.
Calculating Ceiling Paint
To calculate ceiling paint needs, simply multiply the length by the width of the room. Most ceilings require at least two coats, especially when making significant color changes.
Trim and Baseboards
Don't forget to calculate paint for trim, baseboards, and moldings separately. A general rule of thumb is to add 10-20% to your total paint estimate for trim work.
Practical Tips for Buying Paint
Always buy slightly more paint than calculated—typically 10-15% extra. This allows for touch-ups, testing, and ensures you have enough if application requires more paint than anticipated. Keep leftover paint properly sealed for future touch-ups.
Conclusion
Accurate paint calculation saves time, money, and ensures a professional-looking result. Use our calculator as a starting point, but always consult with paint professionals for specific projects or unusual surfaces. Happy painting!