Interior Paint Quantity Calculator

Gallons needed = wall area × coats / coverage (350 ft²/gal default).

Inputs

Result

Paint needed
5.03 gallons
6 gallon containers to buy.
  • Wall area800 ft²
  • Coats2
  • Coverage350 ft²/gal
  • Raw gallons4.571
  • With waste5.029
  • Round up6

Step-by-step

  1. Total surface = area × coats = 800 × 2 = 1600 ft².
  2. Gallons = 1600 / 350 = 4.57.
  3. Add 10% waste, round up: 6 gallons.

How to use this calculator

  • Calculate wall area (perimeter × height − doors/windows) using wall-area-for-paint.
  • Enter area, coats, and coverage.
  • Buy the rounded-up gallon count.

About this calculator

Interior paint coverage is typically 350-400 ft² per gallon for smooth surfaces, less for rough/textured. Two coats is standard for color changes; one coat works for same-color refresh on light colors. Always round up — running out mid-project means a return trip and possibly mismatched batch.

Frequently asked

Smooth drywall: 350-400 ft²/gal. Textured: 300-350. Rough/porous: 250-300. Primer can extend coverage on porous surfaces.

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