How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Room?

Enter your room dimensions and paint quality to estimate total cost — materials and optional professional labor. Updated 2026 pricing.

What's Included in This Estimate

Paint: Calculated at 350 sq ft per gallon per coat. The calculator accounts for wall area minus doors and windows, plus ceiling if selected.

Primer: One coat at 300 sq ft per gallon, budget grade (~$22/gal). Only added when selected — skip it if you're repainting the same color over sound existing paint.

Supplies: Roller covers, painter's tape, drop cloth, tray, and brushes. Estimated at a flat $40–$60 for a typical room. Reusable supplies are cheaper if you already have them.

Labor: Professional painters charge $2–$4 per sq ft for walls only, or $3–$6 per sq ft including ceilings and trim. The estimate uses the midpoint of current 2026 rates.

Paint Cost Quick Reference (2026)

Room Size	Paint Grade	DIY Total	Professional Total
Small bedroom (10×10)	Mid-range	$80–$130	$350–$600
Standard bedroom (12×12)	Mid-range	$100–$160	$450–$750
Large bedroom (14×16)	Mid-range	$130–$200	$600–$950
Living room (16×20)	Mid-range	$170–$260	$800–$1,300
Standard bedroom (12×12)	Premium	$160–$240	$520–$850
Living room (16×20)	Premium	$270–$390	$900–$1,430

All estimates include 2 coats + primer. Professional rates vary by region — urban areas tend to run 20–30% higher than rural averages.

Paint Grade Comparison

Grade	Price/Gallon	Coverage	Durability	Best For
Budget / contractor	$20–$30	300–350 sq ft	3–5 years	Rental units, temporary spaces
Mid-range	$35–$55	350–400 sq ft	6–10 years	Most homeowners — best value
Premium	$60–$85	350–400 sq ft	10–15 years	High-traffic areas, long-term homes