What is this?
A paint calculator determines how many gallons of paint you need for a room based on dimensions, number of coats, and whether you're painting the ceiling. It accounts for doors and windows, calculates costs, and provides recommendations for primer and paint quality.How to use
Measure room length, width, and ceiling height in feet. Count doors and windows. Select number of coats (2 recommended) and whether to include ceiling. Enter paint price per gallon to see total cost. The calculator shows gallons needed, total area, and optional primer requirements.Tips
- Standard coverage: 350-400 sq ft per gallon on smooth walls, less on textured surfaces
- Always buy one extra gallon for touch-ups and future repairs
- 2 coats provide better coverage, durability, and color depth than 1 thick coat
- Use primer on new drywall, over dark colors, or when making drastic color changes
- Budget paint ($20-30/gallon): okay for low-traffic areas, may need extra coats
- Mid-range paint ($30-50/gallon): best value for most rooms, good coverage
- Premium paint ($50-80/gallon): excellent for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, kitchens
- Ceiling paint is usually flat white and cheaper than wall paint
- Eggshell/satin finishes hide imperfections better than semi-gloss
- Semi-gloss best for trim, doors, and high-moisture areas (bathrooms/kitchens)
- Standard ceiling height: 8 feet in older homes, 9 feet in newer construction
- Rough texture or unpainted drywall uses 20-30% more paint
