Paint Cost Calculator – Estimate Paint and Cost
Calculate paint needed and cost for your project
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the room length and width in feet
- Enter the ceiling height (default is 8 feet)
- Enter the number of coats (default is 2)
- Enter paint coverage per gallon (default is 350 sq ft)
- Enter the cost per gallon of paint
- Select whether to include ceiling painting
- Click calculate to see total area, gallons needed, and cost
Understanding Paint Coverage
Paint coverage varies by product quality and surface texture. Standard coverage is approximately 350 square feet per gallon, but premium paints may cover up to 400 square feet per gallon.
Porous or textured surfaces absorb more paint and may reduce coverage to 250-300 square feet per gallon. Always check the manufacturer's specifications.
How Many Coats Do You Need?
The number of coats needed depends on several factors:
- New drywall typically requires primer plus 2 coats
- Light color over dark color may need 3 coats
- Similar color changes usually need 2 coats
- Dark color over light color may only need 1-2 coats
- Premium paints with built-in primer may reduce coat requirements
Paint Cost Factors
Paint prices vary significantly based on quality and brand:
- Budget paint: $15-25 per gallon
- Mid-range paint: $25-40 per gallon
- Premium paint: $40-70 per gallon
- Designer/specialty paint: $70-100+ per gallon
Higher quality paints often provide better coverage, durability, and easier application, which can reduce the total number of coats needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much paint do I need for a 12x12 room?
- For a 12x12 room with 8-foot ceilings and 2 coats (walls only), you'll need approximately 2.2 gallons of paint. Add about 1.4 gallons if painting the ceiling.
- Should I include the ceiling in my calculations?
- Only include the ceiling if you plan to paint it. If you're only painting walls, leave this option unchecked to get accurate paint estimates.
- Why should I buy more paint than calculated?
- It's recommended to buy 10-15% more paint than calculated to account for texture, touch-ups, and future repairs. Matching paint batches later can be difficult.
- How do I account for windows and doors?
- For standard rooms with typical window and door openings, the calculator provides adequate estimates. The extra paint accounts for these areas. For rooms with large windows or openings, you may need slightly less.
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