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Paint Coverage Calculator

Calculate how much area a given amount of paint covers.

Mason ReidFounder and Lead Estimator at MeasureThen

Last updated 2026-08-21

What Is a Paint Coverage Calculator?

The paint coverage calculator works the other way from the other tools: it tells you how much surface area a given volume of paint will cover. You enter the amount of paint you have and the coverage rate in square feet per gallon. It is ideal when you already own paint and want to know if it is enough for the job.

How It Works

Area covered = Paint volume × Coverage rate.

Example

5 gallons at 350 sq ft/gal covers 1,750 sq ft with one coat.

How to Calculate

  1. Enter the paint volume you have, for example 5 gallons.
  2. Set the coverage rate. Most paints list 300 to 400 sq ft per gallon; use 350 as the default.
  3. Multiply volume by the rate: 5 gallons × 350 sq ft per gallon = 1,750 sq ft with a single coat.
  4. Adjust for multiple coats. If you plan 2 coats, divide the area by 2, so 1,750 ÷ 2 = 875 sq ft of wall you can actually cover.
  5. Compare the result to your measured wall area. If your walls total more than 875 sq ft, you need more paint or fewer coats.

Coverage by sheen on smooth drywall

SheenCoverage per gallon
Flat350 to 400 sq ft
Matte350 to 400 sq ft
Eggshell350 to 400 sq ft
Satin300 to 350 sq ft
Semi-gloss300 to 350 sq ft
High-gloss300 to 350 sq ft

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sq ft per gallon?

Most paints list 300–400 sq ft/gal. Textured or porous surfaces reduce coverage.

Does coverage change with sheen?

Glossier paints often cover slightly better; flats are a bit thirstier on porous surfaces.

How do I adjust for two coats?

Divide the total area by the number of coats, or double the gallons.

Estimate the cost with the Paint Cost Calculator or browse Paint Calculators

More Paint Calculators

Paint CalculatorCalculate how much paint and primer you need for walls, ceilings, or trim. Enter room dimensions and coats to get gallons for your project.Wall Paint CalculatorCalculate paint needed for walls, accounting for doors and windows.Ceiling Paint CalculatorEstimate paint needed to cover a ceiling.Paint Cost CalculatorEstimate how much it costs to paint a room based on area, coats, and price per gallon. Get a material and labor cost estimate.

Mason ReidFounder and Lead Estimator at MeasureThen

Mason Reid founded MeasureThen after two decades of hands-on work in construction and estimating. Across residential and light commercial projects, he sized concrete pours, framed walls, hung drywall, and priced out roofing, fencing, and deck work — learning the exact math that every job depends on. At MeasureThen he writes the formulas, checks every calculator against real-world assumptions, and makes sure each one is simple enough for a homeowner to trust and a contractor to use. When he is not measuring twice, he is helping projects stay on budget.

Every MeasureThen calculator uses simple, transparent formulas and standard industry assumptions drawn from common construction practice. We show the math behind each result and include worked examples so you can follow along and double-check the numbers. Results are estimates: materials, labor, and pricing vary by region and market, so always confirm important figures with a licensed professional and your local building codes.