Paint Coverage Calculator
Two modes: find out how far your paint will go, or calculate how many gallons you need for a specific area.
Paint Coverage by Surface Type
| Surface | Coverage per Gallon | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth previously painted walls | 350–400 sq ft | Best coverage — dense, sealed surface |
| Standard walls, light texture | 300–350 sq ft | Most interior walls |
| Textured walls (orange peel, knockdown) | 250–300 sq ft | Texture increases surface area |
| Bare drywall | 200–250 sq ft | First coat absorbs heavily — prime first |
| Raw wood / bare wood | 200–300 sq ft | Varies by wood species and grain |
| Brick / concrete block | 125–175 sq ft | Very porous — masonry primer required |
| Exterior wood siding | 250–350 sq ft | Varies by paint type and surface condition |
| Exterior stucco | 150–250 sq ft | Porous and textured — expect lower coverage |
Gallons Needed Quick Reference
| Area | 1 Coat (350 sq ft/gal) | 2 Coats | With 10% Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 sq ft (small room walls) | 0.6 gal → 1 gal | 1.1 gal → 2 gal | 2 gal |
| 350 sq ft (avg bedroom walls) | 1 gal | 2 gal | 2–3 gal |
| 500 sq ft | 1.4 gal → 2 gal | 2.9 gal → 3 gal | 3–4 gal |
| 750 sq ft | 2.1 gal → 3 gal | 4.3 gal → 5 gal | 5 gal |
| 1,000 sq ft | 2.9 gal → 3 gal | 5.7 gal → 6 gal | 6–7 gal |
| 1,500 sq ft | 4.3 gal → 5 gal | 8.6 gal → 9 gal | 9–10 gal |
Always round up to the nearest full gallon and buy 10% extra for touch-ups from the same batch. Paint colors can vary between production runs — having leftover paint from the original purchase is far better than trying to match later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much area does a gallon of paint cover?
A gallon of paint covers approximately 350–400 square feet per coat on smooth, previously painted surfaces. Coverage drops to 250–300 sq ft on textured surfaces or bare drywall, which absorbs paint. Always check the label — manufacturers print the specific coverage rate for each product.
How many gallons of paint do I need for 1,000 square feet?
At 350 sq ft per gallon, 1,000 sq ft requires approximately 2.9 gallons per coat — round up to 3 gallons. For two coats, buy 6 gallons. Add 10% extra for touch-ups, so 6–7 gallons total.
Does paint coverage change by surface type?
Yes significantly. Smooth previously painted walls: 350–400 sq ft/gal. Bare drywall: 250–300 sq ft/gal — it absorbs the first coat heavily, which is why priming bare drywall before painting is so important. Rough porous surfaces like brick can drop to 125–175 sq ft/gal.
How many gallons of paint for a 12x12 room?
A 12x12 room with 8 ft ceilings has approximately 340 sq ft of wall area (perimeter × height, minus doors and windows). One gallon covers the walls in one coat. For two coats on walls plus the ceiling (144 sq ft), you need about 2.5 gallons — buy 3 gallons.