Paint Calculator
Enter the size of the room to get the wall area, the number of gallons required and what the paint will cost for one or two coats.
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Estimated cost
$90 – $144
Typical figure around $117.
- Wall area
- 376 sq ft
- Ceiling (optional)
- 168 sq ft
- Paint required
- 3 gallons
Paint only. Add $60–$120 for rollers, trays, tape and drop cloths, or $2–$4 per sq ft for a professional job.
Planning estimate only — confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before ordering.
How this estimate is calculated
The estimate is built from room length (ft), room width (ft), wall height (ft), doors & windows (sq ft) and coats, then priced at national average rates. It reports wall area, ceiling (optional) and paint required, with quantities rounded up so you are never short of material and the standard waste allowance already included where it applies.
Paint only. Add $60–$120 for rollers, trays, tape and drop cloths, or $2–$4 per sq ft for a professional job.
The dollar range is a national average, so treat it as a starting point rather than a bid. Labor rates, permit fees and material delivery differ by region — the state table below shows how your state compares, and construction cost by state breaks the picture down further.
Prefer the longer version? Read our guide to How much does a kitchen remodel cost and How much does it cost to paint a room and How much does it cost to replace windows and How much does it cost to replace an entry door and How much do Andersen windows cost and How much do Pella windows cost and How much do Marvin windows cost and Renovation vs remodel: what the difference costs you and How much does sliding door replacement cost and Renter-friendly renovations that leave no trace and 10 remodeling mistakes that make a house harder to sell and Replacement windows vs window inserts: what actually differs.
Cost by coats
Each row prices the same default job shown in the calculator above, changing only the coats. Use it to see what the upgrade or the cheaper option really costs before you commit.
| Coats | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coat | $30 | $48 |
| 2 coats | $90 | $144 |
What the same job costs by state
Every row applies that state's construction cost index to the national range calculated above. The index bundles local labor rates, permit fees and material delivery, so it is a planning figure rather than a bid.
| State | Index | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 0.92 | $83 | $132 |
| Texas | 0.93 | $84 | $134 |
| North Carolina | 0.94 | $85 | $135 |
| Georgia | 0.95 | $86 | $137 |
| Arizona | 1.01 | $91 | $145 |
| Florida | 1.02 | $92 | $147 |
| Pennsylvania | 1.03 | $93 | $148 |
| Illinois | 1.05 | $95 | $151 |
| Colorado | 1.08 | $97 | $156 |
| Washington | 1.15 | $103 | $166 |
| California | 1.32 | $119 | $190 |
| New York | 1.42 | $128 | $204 |
Index 1.00 is the national average. See construction cost by state for metro-level figures and the projects homeowners ask about most.
Where to buy materials
Links to suppliers are sponsored: if you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects an estimate.
- Search The Home Depot“interior wall paint gallon”
- Search Lowe's“interior wall paint gallon”
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gallon of paint cover?
One gallon covers about 350–400 square feet in a single coat. Textured or porous walls absorb more, so plan for the lower end of that range.
Do I need one coat or two?
Two coats are standard when changing colour or covering patched drywall. One coat is usually enough when refreshing the same colour in good condition.
How much does it cost to paint a 14 × 12 ft room?
A 14 × 12 ft room with 8 ft walls has about 375 square feet of wall once doors and windows are deducted. Two coats need three gallons, which costs roughly $90 to $145 in paint, plus $60 to $120 for rollers, tape and drop cloths.
Do I need a primer coat?
Yes over bare drywall, patched areas, or a dark colour going light, because those surfaces either soak up paint or let the old colour show through. Skip it only when refreshing the same colour over a sound, previously painted wall.
Does this cost change from state to state?
Yes. Applying each state's construction cost index to the national range of $90 to $144, the same job runs from about $83 to $132 in Ohio (index 0.92) to $128 to $204 in New York (index 1.42).
What is not included in this estimate?
Paint only. Add $60–$120 for rollers, trays, tape and drop cloths, or $2–$4 per sq ft for a professional job. The figure is a national planning average for the work described above, not a contractor's quote.
