Free reference
Paint Coverage Chart
How much paint do I need? Use this chart to estimate gallons by room size and total wall area, for one or two coats. Estimates assume about 350 square feet of coverage per gallon.
Paint needed by total wall area
Gallons are calculated at 350 sq ft per gallon. Find your total wall area, then read across for one or two coats.
| Wall area (sq ft) | 1 coat | 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | 0.6 gal | 1.1 gal |
| 300 | 0.9 gal | 1.7 gal |
| 400 | 1.1 gal | 2.3 gal |
| 500 | 1.4 gal | 2.9 gal |
| 600 | 1.7 gal | 3.4 gal |
| 800 | 2.3 gal | 4.6 gal |
| 1000 | 2.9 gal | 5.7 gal |
| 1200 | 3.4 gal | 6.9 gal |
Quick room reference
Based on 8 ft ceilings, walls only, two coats, before deducting doors and windows. Round up to the cans you can buy.
| Room size | Wall area | 2 coats | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 | 320 sq ft | 1.8 gal | 2 gallons |
| 10 x 12 | 352 sq ft | 2.0 gal | 2 gallons |
| 12 x 12 | 384 sq ft | 2.2 gal | 2 gallons + 1 quart |
| 12 x 14 | 416 sq ft | 2.4 gal | 3 gallons |
| 12 x 16 | 448 sq ft | 2.6 gal | 3 gallons |
| 14 x 16 | 480 sq ft | 2.7 gal | 3 gallons |
| 16 x 20 | 576 sq ft | 3.3 gal | 4 gallons |
Wall area = 2 x (length + width) x ceiling height. These figures do not subtract doors and windows, which gives a small built-in buffer for waste and touch-ups.
How to use this chart
- Measure the room and find your total wall area, or use the room reference above.
- Choose one or two coats. Two coats is standard for color changes and an even finish.
- Read the gallons, then round up to whole cans plus a little extra for touch-ups.
- For an exact number with your own coverage rate, coats, and door and window deductions, use the paint calculator.
Estimates assume 350 sq ft per gallon. Rough or porous surfaces, primer coats, and dark-to-light color changes need more paint. Always check the coverage printed on your paint can.
FAQ
How much wall does a gallon of paint cover?
Most interior wall paint covers about 350 square feet per gallon for one coat. Divide your total wall area by 350, then multiply by the number of coats to estimate gallons.
How many gallons of paint for a 12x12 room?
A 12 by 12 room with 8 ft ceilings has about 384 square feet of wall. Two coats need roughly 2.2 gallons, so buy 2 gallons plus a quart, or round up to 3 gallons to allow for touch-ups.
Does this chart include ceiling paint?
No. The chart estimates wall paint only. If you are painting the ceiling, add its area (room length times width) separately.
Should I plan for one coat or two?
Two coats is standard for an even finish and for color changes. One coat may be enough when repainting a similar color over primed or previously painted walls.
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