How Many Square Feet Does a Gallon of Paint Cover?
Most paint cans list the coverage of a gallon at about 350 to 400 square feet for one coat. That is a good starting point, but your results depend on the walls, the paint and how you apply it. This guide shows how to use that number to buy the right amount.
The basic numbers
- One gallon: about 350 to 400 square feet, one coat
- One quart: about a quarter of that, or roughly 85 to 100 square feet
Always check the label on your can. Coverage is printed there, and it is the number to trust over a general rule.
What changes coverage
- Surface texture. Rough, brick or heavily textured walls soak up more paint.
- Porous surfaces. New drywall and bare wood absorb paint, so they often need primer first.
- Color change. Covering a dark color with a light one may take more coats.
- Application method. Sprayers can use more paint than rollers.
- Paint quality. Thicker paints with more pigment often cover better in one coat.
If your walls are rough or porous, lower the coverage figure in our paint calculator to be safe.
Gallons needed by wall area
This chart assumes 350 square feet per gallon and rounds up to whole gallons.
| Wall area | 1 coat | 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| 200 sq ft | 1 gallon | 2 gallons |
| 350 sq ft | 1 gallon | 2 gallons |
| 500 sq ft | 2 gallons | 3 gallons |
| 700 sq ft | 2 gallons | 4 gallons |
| 1,000 sq ft | 3 gallons | 6 gallons |
Finding your wall area
Multiply the distance around the room by the ceiling height, then subtract about 20 square feet for each door and about 15 for each window. A 12×12 foot room with 8-foot ceilings, one door and two windows has about 334 square feet of wall. That is just under a gallon for one coat, so two coats take two gallons. See our measuring guide for details.
Primer and second coats
Primer often has a different coverage rate from paint, so read its label too. Most rooms need two coats of paint for an even finish, especially when changing colors. Plan for two coats unless the can says one will do the job.
Common mistakes
- Buying exactly the number you calculate, with nothing left for touch-ups
- Forgetting the second coat
- Skipping primer on bare drywall
- Buying paint in several batches, which can cause slight color differences
Measure the walls, divide by the coverage on your can, multiply by the number of coats, and round up.
Enter your room size to see how many gallons of paint you need, with doors, windows and extra coats included.
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