How to Estimate Paint for a Room
Planning guide
How to Estimate Paint for a Room
A simple way to plan your paint purchase before you head to the store.
Start with the wall area
Measure the width and height of each wall in feet. Multiply width by height to find the square footage, then add the walls together. A 12-foot wall that is 8 feet high has 96 square feet of surface area.
Think about coats and coverage
Most paint labels list an approximate coverage rate, often around 350 to 400 square feet per gallon. New drywall, a major color change, dark colors, textured surfaces, and repairs may require more than one coat. Multiply the wall area by the number of coats before dividing by the coverage on the paint label.
Do not forget openings and details
You can subtract large doors and windows for a tighter estimate, but many homeowners keep a small buffer for touch-ups, trim edges, and uneven surfaces. If you are unsure, buying a little extra is usually simpler than trying to match a color later.
Use the calculator as a starting point
Use our Paint Calculator to estimate the gallons you may need. Confirm the final quantity with the product label and follow manufacturer instructions for surface preparation and drying time.