Exterior Paint Quantity Calculator

Exterior coverage typically 250-300 ft²/gal — rougher surfaces, porous siding.

Inputs

Result

Loading calculator…
—

How to use this calculator

  • Estimate house exterior surface (perimeter × height + gables).
  • Enter coats and coverage.
  • Buy rounded-up gallons.

About this calculator

Exterior paint coverage is lower than interior because siding is rougher and absorbs more. Use 250-300 ft²/gal for typical wood siding; lower for masonry. Higher waste factor (15%) reflects the larger surface and outdoor working conditions.

Frequently asked

How do I estimate house exterior area?+
Perimeter × wall height + gable triangles. A 2,000 ft² house typically has 1,500-2,500 ft² of paintable exterior.
Two coats outside?+
Almost always. Exterior weathering plus the rougher surface mean you really need that second coat for durability.
Different paint type?+
Use the manufacturer's coverage on the can. Acrylic latex usually 250-275; oil-based 200-250.
What about trim?+
Add separately: 1 quart per 100 LF of trim. Pre-prime bare wood for adhesion.
Should I prime?+
Bare wood, weathered surfaces, or extreme color changes: yes. Repainting same color on good substrate: usually no.

Related calculators

Interior Paint Quantity Calculator
Gallons needed — enter the wall area directly OR room dimensions (calculator subtracts doors/windows).
Wall Area for Paint Calculator
Perimeter × ceiling height − doors and windows = paintable area.
Roofing Square Count Calculator
1 roofing square = 100 ft². Bundles = squares × 3 (for 3-tab) or × 4 (architectural).
Shingle Bundle Count Calculator
Bundles = roof area / coverage per bundle (33⅓ ft² for 3-tab).
Fence Material Calculator
Posts, panels, and rails for a wood/vinyl/chain-link fence.
Deck Material Calculator
Decking boards, joists, posts, and fasteners for a residential deck.

More tools you might like

Hand-picked tools that pair well with this one — same audience, same intent.

Interior Paint Quantity Calculator
Calc

Gallons needed — enter the wall area directly OR room dimensions (calculator subtracts doors/windows).

Wall Area for Paint Calculator
Calc

Perimeter × ceiling height − doors and windows = paintable area.

Shingle Bundle Count Calculator
Calc

Bundles = roof area / coverage per bundle (33⅓ ft² for 3-tab).

Roofing Square Count Calculator
Calc

1 roofing square = 100 ft². Bundles = squares × 3 (for 3-tab) or × 4 (architectural).

Fence Material Calculator
Calc

Posts, panels, and rails for a wood/vinyl/chain-link fence.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978 Property)
Docs

Federally required disclosure for pre-1978 housing — sale or lease — under 42 U.S.C. §4852d.