How much paint do I need for a room?

Most gallons cover about 350 sq ft per coat. A typical 12×12 room with two coats needs roughly 2 gallons. The calculator above does the math for your exact room.

How many coats of paint do I need?

Two coats is standard for even color and coverage. One coat can work over a similar existing color; big color changes usually need a primer plus two coats.

Should I round up when buying paint?

Yes. Buy to the next whole gallon so you have enough for cutting in and touch-ups, and keep the leftover for future repairs.

Free tool

Paint Calculator

Before you buy a drop of paint, get the number right. Enter your room's dimensions, how many doors and windows it has, and how many coats you're planning.

Length (ft)Width (ft)Height (ft)Doors + windowsCoats

392 sq ft of wall · 2 coats

2.2 gallons

Buy 3 gallons to be safe. Textured walls and deep color changes can need a little more.

Common questions

How much paint do I need for a room?: Most gallons cover about 350 sq ft per coat. A typical 12×12 room with two coats needs roughly 2 gallons. The calculator above does the math for your exact room.
How many coats of paint do I need?: Two coats is standard for even color and coverage. One coat can work over a similar existing color; big color changes usually need a primer plus two coats.
Should I round up when buying paint?: Yes. Buy to the next whole gallon so you have enough for cutting in and touch-ups, and keep the leftover for future repairs.

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