Estimate how many gallons of paint a job needs.
Enter the paintable square footage, openings, coats, coverage rate, and waste allowance. This calculator is a planning aid only. Always review product specs, surface condition, and your own field judgment before buying materials or sending an estimate.
What the calculator does not know.
Paint quantity is only one part of a painting quote. Surface condition, prep, primer, trim, ceilings, access, masking, cleanup, material quality, labor, and exclusions still need your review.
FAQ
How does this paint coverage calculator work?
It estimates paint needed from paintable square footage, openings, number of coats, coverage per gallon, and a waste allowance. Review the result against your product label and job conditions before buying paint.
What coverage per gallon should I use?
Many paints list a coverage range on the can or product sheet. Use the manufacturer number when you have it. The calculator starts with 350 square feet per gallon as a general placeholder.
Should I subtract windows and doors?
Yes, if you have a reliable estimate for openings. If you are unsure, leave openings low and use the waste allowance to stay conservative.
Does this replace a painting estimate?
No. It only helps estimate paint quantity. A real painting estimate still needs prep, labor, materials, access, exclusions, terms, and your pricing judgment.
Can I use this for exterior paint?
Yes, but exterior jobs often need a larger waste allowance because of surface texture, overspray, weathering, and substrate condition.