Virtual Tool
Paint Calculator
Estimate gallons from room size, coverage and coat count.
Estimated paint
3
gallons
Based on 504 sq ft, 2 coats and 350 sq ft per gallon. Check the can and add a little for waste.
How to measure a room
Measure the length of each wall and the ceiling height in feet. The calculator uses the room's length, width and height to find the wall area. You don't need to subtract small windows or doors; the extra paint covers touch-ups and waste.
When you'll need more paint
- Textured walls. Orange peel and knockdown textures, common in Austin homes, soak up more paint than smooth walls. Plan on 10–15% extra.
- Big color changes. Going from dark to light, or covering a bold color, usually takes a primer coat plus two finish coats.
- New drywall or patches. Bare drywall and fresh patches need primer first, or the finish will look blotchy.
- Ceilings and trim. These are measured separately. Ceilings usually use a flat ceiling paint, and trim uses a semi-gloss.
When hiring a painter makes sense
A gallon count is the easy part. Prep is what decides how a paint job looks and how long it lasts: filling holes, sanding, caulking, protecting floors and getting clean lines. If you'd rather skip the ladder work, see our interior painting service or request a Free On-Site Quote.