Paint & Primer Calculator
Your Painting Requirements
Total Wall Area
0
Square Feet
Paint Needed
0
Gallons
Primer Needed
0
Gallons
Total Cost Estimate
$0
USD
Pro Tip: These calculations include 10% extra for waste, touch-ups, and complex surfaces. Always buy slightly more than calculated for optimal results.
Paint & Primer Calculation Cheat Sheet
Standard Coverage Rates
| Paint Type | Coverage (sq ft/gallon) | Drying Time | Coats Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat/Matte | 350-400 | 1-2 hours | 1-2 |
| Eggshell/Satin | 300-350 | 2-4 hours | 2 |
| Semi-Gloss | 300-350 | 4-6 hours | 2 |
| High-Gloss | 250-300 | 6-8 hours | 2-3 |
| Primer | 200-300 | 30-60 minutes | 1 |
Surface Deduction Reference
| Surface Feature | Average Area (sq ft) | Adjustment Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Interior Door | 18-21 | -20 sq ft |
| Standard Window | 12-15 | -15 sq ft |
| Closet (typical) | 15-25 | Add separately |
| Textured Walls | N/A | +15% coverage |
| Porous Surfaces | N/A | +20% coverage |
🛠️ Pro Tips from Painting Experts
#1: Surface Preparation Matters Most
Proper surface preparation accounts for 75% of a successful paint job. Always clean walls with TSP (trisodium phosphate), repair imperfections with spackle, and sand surfaces before priming. A well-prepped surface can reduce paint usage by up to 15%.
#2: Primer Selection Strategy
Match primer to your surface condition: oil-based for stains/bleed-through, shellac for severe stains, latex for drywall. For new drywall, use PVA primer which is cheaper and seals better than paint-primer combos.
#3: The 10% Waste Buffer Rule
Always purchase 10% more paint than calculated. This accounts for brush/roller absorption, touch-ups, uneven surfaces, and future repairs. Unopened cans can usually be returned within 30 days, so it's better to have extra.
Imperial to Metric Conversion
- 1 gallon = 3.785 liters
- 1 square foot = 0.0929 square meters
- 1 foot = 0.3048 meters
- 1 gallon covers ≈ 32-37 m² at standard coverage