Ceiling Paint Calculator
A ceiling paint calculator finds how much ceiling paint you need by taking the ceiling area (room length times width) and dividing by gallon coverage for your number of coats. Enter your room length and width below to get the gallons of ceiling paint.
Ceiling area = length x width; coverage default 350.
- Paintable area
- 0 sq ft
- Coats
- 2
Enter your dimensions to see the gallons you need.
Estimate only. Material yields vary by product and brand; check your product label and add a margin.
How Much Paint for a Ceiling?
To calculate ceiling paint, multiply room length by width to get the ceiling area, then divide by 350 and multiply by coats. A 12 by 15 foot ceiling is 180 square feet, about 1 gallon for two coats. Ceilings usually take flat white ceiling paint, and textured or popcorn ceilings absorb more, so add a margin for those, which the calculator allows by lowering the coverage rate.
Is Ceiling Paint Different From Wall Paint?
Yes. Ceiling paint is typically a flat, ultra-matte white formulated to hide imperfections and resist spatter, separate from wall paint. Because it is a different product, ceilings are calculated and bought on their own. Textured ceilings need more paint than the flat-area math suggests, so treat the result as a minimum for popcorn or knockdown finishes.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much paint do I need for a ceiling?
- A 12 by 15 foot ceiling needs about 1 gallon for two coats. Textured or popcorn ceilings absorb more, so add a margin beyond the flat-area calculation.
- Is ceiling paint the same as wall paint?
- No. Ceiling paint is a flat, spatter-resistant white formulated for ceilings, bought separately from wall paint, which is why it is calculated on its own.