Paint Coverage Calculator
Estimate how much paint you need per square foot using total area, coats, coverage per gallon, and waste. Outputs gallons and quarts for ordering.
Inputs
Tip: If you’re estimating a room, calculate wall area first or use the paint calculator to get total square footage.
Results
Adjusted square footage
880 sq ft
Includes 2 coat(s) and 10% waste.
Gallons needed
2.51
Quarts equivalent: 10.06
Assumptions
- Coverage per gallon assumes one coat on a smooth surface; check your paint label.
- Waste accounts for spillage, roller loss, and touch-ups.
- Total square footage should include all paintable surfaces for accuracy.
Example
A 400 sq ft project with 2 coat(s) and 10% waste needs about 2.51 gallons of paint when coverage is 350 sq ft per gallon.
FAQ
How much paint do I need per square foot?
Most paints cover about 300 to 400 sq ft per gallon per coat, so divide your total square footage by the coverage rate.
Should I include multiple coats in square footage?
Yes. Multiply your area by the number of coats before dividing by coverage per gallon.
Why add waste to the calculation?
Waste accounts for roller loss, cut-in work, and touch-ups so you don’t run short.