Calculator

Paint Calculator

Estimate how much paint you need. Enter the wall area, number of coats and the paint's coverage to see the gallons (and liters) required.

Paint needed (rounded up)
3 gal
Exact amount2.29 gal
In liters8.7 L
Advertisement

How it works

Multiply the area by the number of coats, then divide by the paint's coverage (square feet per gallon). Typical coverage is about 350 ft² per gallon.

Gallons = (Area × Coats) ÷ Coverage

Worked examples

  • Example

    400 sq ft of wall with 2 coats at 350 ft²/gallon needs about 2.3 gallons — round up to 3 gallons.

Frequently asked questions

How much area does a gallon of paint cover?

Typically 250–400 square feet per coat, depending on surface and paint.

Should I include two coats?

Yes, most jobs need two coats for even coverage and full color.

How do I calculate wall area?

Multiply wall width by height, and subtract windows and doors.

Related calculators