Paint Calculator - Estimate Paint Coverage
Calculate how much paint you need for your room walls and ceilings with accurate coverage estimates
Paint Type Coverage Guide
Latex Paint (Water-Based)
Most common interior paint. Covers 350-400 sq ft per gallon. Dries quickly (1-2 hours), low odor, easy cleanup with soap and water. Ideal for walls and ceilings in living areas, bedrooms, and hallways.
Oil-Based Paint
Covers 350-400 sq ft per gallon. Provides durable, smooth finish. Takes 6-8 hours to dry. Best for trim, doors, and high-traffic areas. Requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
Primer
Covers 200-300 sq ft per gallon. Essential for bare drywall, wood, or dramatic color changes. Seals surfaces and improves paint adhesion. Always apply primer before painting new surfaces.
Ceiling Paint
Covers 350-400 sq ft per gallon. Flat finish hides imperfections. Often has splatter-resistant formula. Calculate ceiling area separately: room length × width.
Professional Painting Tips
Surface Preparation
Clean walls thoroughly, fill holes and cracks, sand rough spots, and apply primer. Proper prep ensures smooth, long-lasting results and better paint coverage.
Painting Order
Paint ceiling first, then walls, and finally trim. Use painter's tape to protect edges. Remove tape while paint is still slightly wet for clean lines.
Tool Selection
Use rollers for large wall areas (faster coverage), brushes for edges and trim, and sprayers for large projects. Quality tools produce better results with less effort.
Drying Time
Wait 2-4 hours between coats for latex paint, 24 hours for oil-based. Humidity and temperature affect drying time. Avoid painting in extreme temperatures.
Paint Finish Guide
| Finish | Sheen Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matte | No shine | Ceilings, low-traffic areas |
| Eggshell | Slight sheen | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Satin | Soft glow | Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways |
| Semi-Gloss | Noticeable shine | Trim, doors, cabinets |
| Gloss | High shine | Furniture, accent pieces |
Frequently Asked Questions
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy paint in 5-gallon buckets for better per-gallon pricing on large projects
- Use our calculator to avoid over-purchasing expensive premium paints
- Shop during holiday sales (Memorial Day, Labor Day) for 20-40% discounts
- Consider paint-and-primer-in-one products to save time and money
- Keep leftover paint properly sealed for touch-ups instead of buying new cans
- Calculate flooring materials and paint together to coordinate your renovation budget