How to Estimate House Paint Coverage

To avoid the inconvenience of running short of paint, or the expense of buying too much paint, you should estimate the amount of coverage needed. It is easy to estimate this figure by doing careful calculations. A gallon of paint will cover about 350 square feet. However, you will need somewhat more paint if the walls are unpainted since they will absorb more paint. Also, you will need more than one coat, or a primer, if your walls are dark in color, heavily patched or unfinished.

Measuring tape
Pen
Paper
Calculator

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height and width of all surfaces you need to paint with your tape measure. Then, multiply the total height and width to determine the square footage needed.
- 2
  Measure the height and width of all surfaces you do not wish to paint. An easy estimate is 20 square feet for each door and 15 square feet for each average-sized window. You will also need to include built-ins, radiators and trim. Then, multiply the total height and width of surfaces not being painted.
- 3
  Subtract the square footage you will not be painting from the square footage you will paint. This is the total square footage of coverage needed.
- 4
  Multiply the square footage needed by the number of coats you wish to apply. Then divide that number by 350 to find out the gallons of paint needed. You should round out the remainder. If the remainder is less than one half gallon, then buy the gallons needed plus a couple of quarts. If the remainder is more than one half gallon, then buy an extra gallon.

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