Where do I find my paint's coverage rate?

It's printed on the paint can label, usually as 'covers approximately 350-400 sq ft per gallon' — use the lower end of the range for textured or porous surfaces that absorb more paint.

Do I need to subtract doors and windows?

For accuracy, yes — subtract the area of large openings like doors and windows from your total area first, though many painters skip small deductions since cutting-in adds extra labor anyway.

Paint Coverage Calculator

Calculate how many gallons of paint are needed to cover a wall or surface area, based on the area to be painted and the coverage rate of your specific paint product, rounded up to the nearest whole gallon.

Inputs

Results

Gallons Needed: 4

Try an example

Formula

Gallons = ROUND UP((Area × Number of Coats) / Coverage Per Gallon)

Learn How This Works

Exterior Finishing Estimates: Insulation, Windows, Stucco, and Paint

How to estimate insulation batts, window-to-wall ratio, stucco coverage, and paint gallons for finishing a building's exterior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Stucco Coverage Calculator

Calculate the square footage of stucco needed for an exterior wall.

Concrete Calculator

Calculate how much concrete you need for a slab, in cubic yards.

Paint Calculator

Calculate how many gallons of paint you need for a room.

Flooring Calculator

Calculate how many boxes of flooring you need for a room.

Gravel Calculator

Calculate how many tons of gravel you need for a driveway or path.

Roofing Calculator

Estimate the number of roofing squares and shingle bundles needed.