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Try an Example
Pick a scenario to see how the calculator works, then adjust the values
Master Bedroom
A typical master bedroom with 4 walls, a ceiling, and one window.
Key values: 14 x 8 ft walls · 2 coats latex eggshell · 1 window
Living Room
A spacious living room with large walls and two windows.
Key values: 18 x 9 ft walls · 2 coats satin · 2 windows
Accent Wall
A single accent wall with a dramatic color change requiring extra coats.
Key values: 12 x 8 ft wall · 3 coats, dark-to-light · With primer
This calculator is also known as Wall Paint Quantity Calculator.
Read the complete guideUnderstanding Paint Coverage
Paint coverage refers to how much area a single gallon or liter of paint can cover. This varies by paint type, paint finish, and surface condition.
Common Paint Container Sizes
Paints are sold in standard sizes that you should consider when purchasing.
- Sample size: ~8 oz (236 ml) - Covers about 16 sq ft (1.5 sq m)
- Quart: 32 oz (0.95 L) - Covers about 100 sq ft (9.3 sq m)
- Gallon: 128 oz (3.8 L) - Covers about 350-400 sq ft (32-37 sq m)
- 5 Gallon: 640 oz (18.9 L) - Covers about 1750-2000 sq ft (162-186 sq m)
Examples
Living Room Example
A standard living room with four walls measuring 12ft × 8ft (3.7m × 2.4m) and no ceiling painting required.
Total wall area is 384 sq ft. With standard latex eggshell paint covering ~375 sq ft/gallon, two coats would require about 2.05 gallons. Adding a 10% waste factor, you should purchase about 2.25 gallons.
Key takeaway: For this project, buying 2 gallons plus a quart would be ideal.
Next Steps For Your Painting Project
Use this calculation to properly budget for your painting project and avoid making multiple trips to the store.
- Measure all walls accurately before starting
- Purchase slightly more paint than the calculated amount
- Consider buying paint in bulk for large projects to save money
- Don't forget to account for primer if needed
Frequently Asked Questions about Wall Paint Quantity Calculator
What is a waste factor and why is it important?
A waste factor accounts for paint that will be spilled, left in containers, or used for touch-ups. We recommend 10-15% for most projects.
Do I need to count windows and doors in my wall area?
No, our calculator allows you to enter window and door dimensions which are automatically subtracted from the wall area.
How many coats of paint do I need?
For most projects, two coats are standard. However, if painting over a dark color with a light one, you may need three or more coats. New drywall often requires a primer plus two coats.
Specialized Calculators
Choose from 5 specialized versions of this calculator, each optimized for specific use cases and calculation methods.
Calculation Type
1 CalculatorsSpecialized calculation methods for specific needs
Application
3 CalculatorsRelated Calculators
6 CalculatorsMore Construction calculators