Professional Paint Calculator & Estimating Tools
Accurate paint calculations in seconds. Used by 2,000+ painting contractors to create precise estimates and reduce material waste.
Why Accurate Paint Calculations Matter
Avoid Overbuying
Save 15-20% on material costs by ordering exactly what you need
Eliminate Delays
No more mid-job trips to buy additional paint or supplies
Protect Profits
Accurate estimates ensure healthy margins on every job
Industry Fact
According to the Painting Contractors Association, inaccurate material estimates are the #1 cause of reduced profits, costing contractors an average of $8,500 per year in wasted materials and emergency supply runs.
Our calculators use industry-standard formulas refined by professional painters to ensure accuracy within 5% on every estimate.
Interior Paint Calculator
Room Dimensions
Calculation Results
Paint Requirements
Cost Estimate
Pro Tip
Always add 10-15% to your paint calculation for touch-ups and future maintenance. This bedroom would benefit from 2.5 gallons instead of 2 to ensure complete coverage.
Exterior Paint Calculator
Building Dimensions
Additional Surfaces
Exterior Paint Requirements
Surface Areas
Paint Needed
Project Cost
Paint Coverage Calculator
Coverage Rates by Surface Type
Interior Surfaces
| Surface | Sq Ft/Gallon |
|---|---|
| Smooth Drywall | 350-400 |
| Textured Walls | 250-350 |
| Primed Wood | 300-350 |
| Plaster | 300-400 |
| Acoustic Ceiling | 150-200 |
Exterior Surfaces
| Surface | Sq Ft/Gallon |
|---|---|
| Wood Siding | 250-300 |
| Stucco | 150-250 |
| Brick | 180-250 |
| Concrete Block | 100-200 |
| Metal Siding | 300-400 |
Quick Coverage Calculator
Factors Affecting Paint Coverage
Increases Coverage
- High-quality paint with better hiding power
- Properly primed surfaces
- Similar color to existing paint
- Professional spray application
Decreases Coverage
- Porous or unpainted surfaces
- Dark colors over light surfaces
- Rough or textured surfaces
- Temperature extremes during application
Painting Cost Calculator
Project Cost Estimator
Material Costs
Labor Costs
Additional Costs
Complete Cost Breakdown
Need More Advanced Calculations?
Our free calculators are great for basic estimates, but PaintQuote Pro's AI-powered software handles complex projects with multiple surfaces, custom pricing, and instant professional quotes.
Multi-Room Projects
Calculate entire homes in minutes
Custom Pricing
Your rates, materials, and markups
Professional Quotes
Branded PDFs ready to send
No credit card required • 5 free quotes • Setup in 2 minutes
Pro Tips for Accurate Estimates
Measuring Best Practices
- • Always measure twice for accuracy
- • Include closets and alcoves
- • Subtract only doors, not windows
- • Round up to nearest foot
- • Account for waste (10-15%)
Material Ordering Tips
- • Order all paint from same batch
- • Keep 1 gallon for touch-ups
- • Factor in primer needs
- • Don't forget specialty paints
- • Account for multiple coats
Time Estimation Guide
- • Prep work: 30-40% of total time
- • Add 20% for occupied spaces
- • Factor in drying time
- • Consider weather delays
- • Include cleanup time
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Forgetting ceiling paint
- • Underestimating prep work
- • Not accounting for primer
- • Missing trim calculations
- • Ignoring surface conditions