Guide
How Much Paint Do I Need?
Estimating how much paint you need starts with measuring the total wall area, deciding how many coats you want, and checking the coverage listed on the paint you plan to use.
Start With Total Surface Area
Measure the height and width of each wall, then multiply those numbers to get square footage. Add the totals for all walls you want to paint.
Basic Formula
Paint Needed = (Total Square Footage × Coats) ÷ Coverage Per Gallon
Example
If you are painting 800 square feet of wall area, using 2 coats, and your paint covers 400 square feet per gallon:
(800 × 2) ÷ 400 = 4 gallons
Things That Can Change the Estimate
- Surface texture
- Primer use
- Color changes
- Coverage differences by brand
- Touch-ups and future repairs
It’s Usually Smart to Buy a Little Extra
Even with a good estimate, many people buy a little extra paint for cut-in work, touch-ups, and unexpected absorption on rough surfaces.