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Paint Coverage Calculator

A paint coverage calculator tells you how much area your paint will cover and how many gallons you need, based on the coverage rate (about 350 square feet per gallon) and the number of coats. Enter your paintable area and coverage rate below to get the gallons required.

Calculator
Units

Direct area input; user can set coverage_per_gallon (default 350).

Gallons of paint
0
Exact: 0 gal over 2 coats
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 Many Square Feet Does Paint Cover?

A gallon of paint covers about 350 square feet per coat on smooth primed surfaces, but coverage varies: textured walls, bare drywall and porous surfaces cover less, sometimes 250 to 300 square feet, while a slick sealed surface can cover slightly more. The coverage calculator lets you enter the rate from your paint can for the most accurate gallon count, since manufacturers print their own coverage figures.

How Do You Use a Coverage Rate to Find Gallons?

To find gallons from coverage, divide your paintable area by the coverage rate per gallon, then multiply by the number of coats. For 700 square feet at 350 per gallon over two coats, that is 700 divided by 350 times 2, which is 4 gallons. Using the exact coverage rate from your product rather than a generic figure gives the most reliable order, especially across large areas.

Frequently asked questions

How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
About 350 square feet per coat on smooth primed surfaces. Textured or porous surfaces cover less, often 250 to 300, so use your paint can's stated rate for accuracy.
How do I calculate paint from coverage?
Divide your paintable area by the coverage per gallon, then multiply by the number of coats. The calculator does this from your area and coverage rate.