Paint Cost Calculator
Estimate how much it costs to paint a room based on area, coats, and price per gallon. Get a material and labor cost estimate.
Last updated 2026-08-21
What Is a Paint Cost Calculator?
The paint cost calculator estimates what a room paint job will cost based on the gallons you need, the price per gallon, and your labor cost. You enter the gallons needed, the price per gallon, and any labor cost, and it returns a total. It helps you decide between a DIY weekend and hiring a professional by putting a number on both.
How It Works
Cost = Gallons × Price per gallon + Labor.
Example
8 gallons at $40/gal plus $200 labor: 8 × 40 + 200 = $520.
How to Calculate
- Figure out your gallons first. For an 8 gallon paint job from the main paint calculator, enter 8 in the Gallons Needed field.
- Enter the price per gallon. Good interior paint runs $30 to $70 per gallon; use $40 for this example.
- Compute the paint material cost: 8 × 40 = $320.
- Enter your labor cost. If you are painting yourself, enter $0. If hiring a pro, enter a flat quote, for example $200.
- Add the two together: 8 × 40 + 200 = $520 total. Adjust the price per gallon or labor to compare DIY versus professional.
Paint material cost by room size
| Room size | Gallons | Paint cost at $40/gal |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 12 ft bedroom | 2 | $80 |
| 12 × 14 ft bedroom | 3 | $120 |
| 14 × 18 ft living room | 4 | $160 |
| 20 × 20 ft great room | 6 | $240 |
| Whole home (about 2,000 sq ft) | 10 | $400 |
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a gallon of paint cost?
Good interior paint runs $30–$70 per gallon; premium lines cost more.
Should labor be per hour or flat?
Enter your total labor cost — whether quoted flat or hours × rate — as one number.
Does this include supplies?
No — brushes, rollers, trays, and tape are usually billed separately.
or browse Paint Calculators