Home & Construction

Paint Calculator

Estimate gallons of wall paint from room perimeter, wall height, openings, coats, and paint coverage.

Planning estimate only. Confirm supplier quantities, local code requirements, and field measurements before ordering or construction.
Reviewed September 6, 2026Runs in your browser

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How this calculator works

Paintable area = perimeter × wall height − openings. Gallons = paintable area × coats ÷ coverage.

Worked example

A 64 ft perimeter room with 9 ft walls, 70 sq ft of openings, and two coats needs about 2.9 gallons at 350 sq ft/gal.

Sources & assumptions

Paintable wall area subtracts entered openings and multiplies by the selected coats. Coverage is visitor-editable because surface texture, color change, application method, and product specifications affect spread rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much area does a gallon of paint cover?

Many interior paints are rated around 350 to 400 sq ft per gallon per coat. Check the specific product label.

Do I need primer?

Primer may be needed for bare surfaces, stain blocking, major color changes, or manufacturer requirements.

Room-by-room paint guide

Use the worked room examples and measurement checklist in How much paint do I need?

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