Paint Calculator

SolversPro Paint Calculator is a free home improvement estimation tool that calculates exact wall square footage, opening deductions, and gallon requirements for single and multi-coat room painting.

Wall Texture & Surface Coverage Reference

Standard spreading rates and primer recommendations across wall surface substrates:

Substrate Surface Coverage per Gallon Dedicated Primer Needed Recommended Sheen
Smooth Primed Drywall 350 - 400 sq ft Optional (if repainting similar tone) Eggshell, Satin, Matte
Textured Wall (Orange Peel / Knockdown) 275 - 325 sq ft Yes (PVA primer on new mud) Eggshell or Flat
Bare Plaster / Masonry Block 200 - 250 sq ft Required (Alkali-resistant sealer) Masonry Acrylic / Elastomeric
Wood Trim, Baseboards & Doors 350 - 400 sq ft Required (Bonding primer on bare wood) Semi-Gloss or High-Gloss

Frequently Asked Questions

How many square feet does one gallon of paint cover?

A standard gallon of architectural interior paint typically covers 350 to 400 square feet on smooth, primed drywall. Textured walls, bare masonry, or porous unprimed plaster may reduce coverage to 250 to 300 square feet per gallon.

How do door and window deductions impact paint calculations?

Standard interior doors average 21 square feet (3 × 7 ft) and typical residential windows average 15 square feet (3 × 5 ft). Deducting these openings prevents purchasing excess paint.

Should I always plan for two coats of paint?

Yes. Even self-priming paints achieve uniform sheen, color saturation, and durability when applied in two separate coats, especially when transitioning between contrasting hues.

Does this calculation include ceilings or baseboards?

The default calculation models the four vertical room perimeter walls. If painting the ceiling, calculate room length × width separately using flat ceiling paint.

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