How to Estimate Paint for Your Room

Planning Your Paint Job

Before heading to the store, it's critical to know exactly how much paint you need. Buying too much wastes money, and buying too little results in a frustrating second trip.

Step 1: Measure Your Walls

Use a tape measure to get the length, width, and height of your room. Subtract large openings like double doors or massive windows, but don't worry about standard doors—paint calculations usually account for minor waste anyway.

Use our room area estimating tool below to quickly find your total square footage:

Step 2: Determine Your Gallons

Once you have your square footage, you need to calculate the actual gallons. Keep in mind: most quality paints cover about 350-400 sqft per gallon, but if you're making a dramatic color change, you'll likely need two coats.

Pro Tip

Always round up to the nearest quart or gallon. Having extra paint is essential for touch-ups down the road, especially if you have pets or kids.