Paint Calculator
Know how much paint to buy before you load the cart. Enter the total wall or surface area and the number of coats and this calculator returns the gallons needed, figured at 350 square feet of coverage per gallon. Add a waste factor for touch-ups and tray loss.
Estimate
How to use the paint calculator
- Add up the square footage of every wall or surface you are painting.
- Enter the number of coats — two is standard over a primed surface.
- Read the gallons needed. Add waste for cut-in, touch-ups, and roller loss.
Questions
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
About 350 square feet per coat on a smooth, primed surface. Rough or porous surfaces cover less, so add a waste factor.
How many coats of paint do I need?
Two coats is standard for even color and durability. A single coat may work over the same color with a tinted primer; bold or dark colors can need three.