How Much Paint Do I Need? (Easy Room Math)

Standing in the paint aisle, wondering how many gallons to grab? You only need a tape measure and some easy math. Let's figure out a real room together.

1. Step 1: Measure The Walls

$Step 1: Measure The Walls$

Measure the length of each wall, and add them up. Our room is twelve by fourteen feet, so that's twelve, plus fourteen, plus twelve, plus fourteen. Fifty two feet all the way around.

2. Step 2: Times The Height

$Step 2: Times The Height$

Now multiply by the wall height. Our walls are eight feet tall. Fifty two times eight is four hundred sixteen square feet of wall.

3. Step 3: Subtract Doors And Windows

$Step 3: Subtract Doors And Windows$

You won't paint the doors and windows, so take them out. A simple rule is about twenty square feet for each door, and fifteen for each window. We have one door and two windows. That's fifty square feet, which leaves three hundred sixty six.

4. Step 4: Two Coats

$Step 4: Two Coats$

Most walls need two coats, especially if you're changing colors. So double it. Seven hundred thirty two square feet.

5. Step 5: Divide By Coverage

$Step 5: Divide By Coverage$

Check the label on the can. One gallon usually covers about three hundred fifty to four hundred square feet. To be safe, use the low number. Seven thirty two divided by three fifty is about two point one gallons.

6. What To Buy

$What To Buy$

So grab two gallons and one quart. If your walls are rough, or the color change is big, pick up a little extra. Leftover paint is handy for touch ups.