Calculators
Paint Calculator — How Much Paint to Buy
Standing in a room with a tape measure, you need a number you can take to the store. This calculator turns length, width, and ceiling height into a materials list with gallons and quarts, rounded up.
The worked example uses a 12 by 12 ft room with 8 ft ceilings. Use the controls below to enter your own dimensions.
Estimates only. Print at 100% with scaling off.
| Surface | Room | Area | Coats | Coverage | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walls | Room 1 | 349 sq ft | 2 | 350 | 2 gallons |
Assumptions
- Surface type: Previously painted, smooth (×1)
- Wall/ceiling coverage: 350 sq ft/gal
- Primer coverage: 300 sq ft/gal
- Default door opening: 20 sq ft
- Default window opening: 15 sq ft
- Trim estimate width: 0.33 ft (rough)
Supplies checklist
- Painter's tape — 1 roll
- Drop cloths
- Roller covers — 2–3
- Angled brush
- Roller tray liners
- Spackle / filler
- Sandpaper
Estimates only. Check the coverage figure on your product before buying.
The Handy Pages · thehandypages.com
Room
More paint presets
Handy gear for paint day
- Paint roller kit with tray for walls and ceilings (opens in new tab)
- Canvas or plastic drop cloths to protect floors and furniture (opens in new tab)
- Painter's tape for clean edges at trim and ceilings (opens in new tab)
- Coveralls or a paint-splatter work shirt you do not mind staining (opens in new tab)
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