How to Determine the Paint Needed for a Room

Before you can paint a room, you need to determine the approximate amount of paint you will need. Paint is normally sold by the gallon. When purchasing paint, you will find the average coverage area per gallon of paint is different depending on the type of paint and the brand of paint. By calculating the square footage of the room and reading the paint label to determine the estimated coverage of the paint you want to purchase, you can determine how much paint you will need to paint your room.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of each wall of the room using the tape measure. Also measure the length and width of the ceiling if it will be painted the same color.

2. Multiply the length by the width of every wall and the ceiling. For example, assume all walls and the ceiling measure 6 feet by 6 feet, so 6 x 6 = 36 square feet.

3. Add the total square footage of every wall and the ceiling. Continuing the same example, 36 + 36 + 36 + 36 + 36 = 180 square feet. This represents the total square footage of the room.

4. Read the label of the paint can to determine the paint's estimated coverage area per gallon. Continuing the same example, assume a can of paint has an average coverage area of 100 square feet per gallon.

5. Divide the total square footage from Step 3 by the estimated coverage area per gallon from Step 4. Continuing the same example, 180 / 100 = 1.8. You would need approximately 2 gallons of paint for this room.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to odd-shaped rooms and any areas of the room that might require extra paint. Examples include doors, moldings and floor boards.

References

• Columbia Paint: Calculate Amount of Paint Needed