Planning to repaint your home? One of the most common questions people ask before picking up a brush is: "How much paint do I need?" Whether you're tackling a small bathroom or giving your entire living room a fresh coat, estimating the right amount of paint is key to saving time, money, and avoiding extra trips to the store.
Below, you'll find a simple and powerful paint calculator that helps you estimate your paint needs with ease. Just enter your wall dimensions, and you'll get a close approximation instantly.
💡 Note: The results may include primer in addition to paint. This depends on your input, such as whether you're painting over dark colors, new drywall, or glossy surfaces.
Underestimating your paint needs can delay your project, while overestimating may lead to wasted money. But here's the catch: paint coverage varies. Most paints cover about 350–400 square feet per gallon, but it depends on:
Surface texture (rough surfaces absorb more paint)
Number of coats
Paint brand and quality
Primer usage
Color transitions (light over dark may need more)
So while this calculator gives you a solid estimate, remember that painting is part science, part art.
You might notice the calculator suggesting something like:
1 gallon of paint
2 gallons of primer
This can be surprising—but it's not necessarily wrong. Here's why it happens:
The calculator adjusts its recommendation based on what you enter. For example:
Painting over dark colors with light paint? It'll recommend more primer.
Using new drywall or rough surfaces? You'll need primer to seal it.
Selecting only some walls for paint? The paint amount decreases, but primer may still be recommended for all surfaces.
In many real-world situations:
2 gallons of paint is enough for a 300–400 sq ft living room
Primer is optional, especially if the walls are already painted in a similar tone and in good condition
So always take the results as a helpful guide, not an absolute rule. Adjust based on your specific project, surface conditions, and paint type.
Here's a general breakdown for common spaces in a house:
Average size: 300–400 sq ft
Estimated paint: 2–3 gallons
Average size: 200–300 sq ft
Estimated paint: 1.5–2 gallons
Average size: 150–250 sq ft
Estimated paint: 1–2 gallons (less wall area due to cabinets/appliances)
Average size: 50–100 sq ft
Estimated paint: 1 gallon or less
Average size: Varies
Estimated paint: 1–2 gallons
Average size: 200–250 sq ft
Estimated paint: 1.5–2 gallons
Average size: 100–150 sq ft
Estimated paint: 1–1.5 gallons
These usually need separate paint types and less quantity. One gallon often covers all trim in a small-to-medium room.
Always measure twice before buying.
Don't forget to subtract windows and doors from wall area.
Factor in two coats if you're changing color drastically.
Use primer for better coverage and fewer coats.
Painting your home is one of the easiest ways to refresh your space, but only if you're prepared. With the paint calculator above, you'll get a close estimate in seconds, saving you guesswork and helping you plan like a pro.
Now, grab your roller and make your vision real!
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