Paint Coverage Chart: Gallons Needed by Room & Surface Type

Paint Coverage per Gallon by Surface Type

Paint coverage varies significantly based on the surface being painted, the quality of the paint, and whether it is a first coat or recoat. One gallon of paint covers approximately 350 square feet on smooth drywall, but porous or textured surfaces require significantly more paint.

Coverage by Surface Type (per Gallon)

Surface Type	First Coat (sq ft/gal)	Recoat (sq ft/gal)	Notes
Smooth Drywall (primed)	350 – 400	400 – 450	Standard interior wall
New/Unprimed Drywall	250 – 300	350 – 400	Use primer first for best results
Textured Drywall	200 – 300	300 – 350	Knockdown, orange peel textures
Plaster	300 – 350	350 – 400	Older homes, smooth finish
Wood (smooth, primed)	350 – 400	400 – 450	Trim, doors, cabinets
Wood (rough/unfinished)	150 – 250	250 – 350	Cedar siding, rough boards
Brick	100 – 150	200 – 250	Very porous, requires more paint
Stucco	100 – 200	200 – 300	Highly textured and porous
Concrete / Cinder Block	100 – 200	200 – 300	Use masonry primer first
Metal (primed)	350 – 500	400 – 500	Doors, railings, gutters
Ceiling (flat paint)	350 – 400	400 – 450	Use flat or matte ceiling paint
Popcorn Ceiling	150 – 200	200 – 250	Highly textured, may need sprayer

Coverage by Paint Quality

Paint Grade	Typical Coverage (sq ft/gal)	Price Range (per gal)	Best For
Economy / Builder Grade	250 – 300	$15 – $25	Rental properties, temporary touch-ups
Mid-Grade	300 – 375	$25 – $45	General residential use
Premium	350 – 400	$45 – $70	Living spaces, better durability
Ultra-Premium	350 – 450	$60 – $90+	One-coat coverage, high-traffic areas

Gallons Needed by Room Size

Assumes 8-foot ceiling height, one door (21 sq ft) and one window (15 sq ft) per room, two coats on walls. Based on 350 sq ft per gallon.

Room Size	Wall Area (sq ft)	Minus Openings	Gallons (2 coats)	Common Room Type
8 × 10	288	252	1.5	Small bedroom, office
10 × 10	320	284	1.7	Standard bedroom
10 × 12	352	316	1.8	Bedroom, dining room
12 × 12	384	348	2.0	Master bedroom
12 × 14	416	380	2.2	Large bedroom
12 × 16	448	412	2.4	Living room
14 × 16	480	444	2.6	Large living room
16 × 20	576	540	3.1	Great room, family room
20 × 20	640	604	3.5	Open-plan living area
20 × 24	704	668	3.9	Large open-plan space

Paint Sheen Guide

Sheen	Durability	Washability	Recommended Use
Flat / Matte	Low	Poor	Ceilings, low-traffic areas, hides imperfections
Eggshell	Medium	Good	Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
Satin	Medium-High	Very Good	Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, kids' rooms
Semi-Gloss	High	Excellent	Trim, doors, cabinets, bathrooms
High-Gloss	Very High	Excellent	Front doors, furniture, accent pieces

Painting Tips for Best Coverage

• Always prime first on new drywall, patches, stain-prone surfaces, or when making drastic color changes.
• Use the W technique when rolling: paint a large W shape on the wall, then fill it in without lifting the roller.
• Two thin coats are better than one thick coat. Thick coats lead to drips, uneven drying, and poor adhesion.
• Temperature matters: Apply paint when the temperature is between 50°F and 85°F (10°C to 29°C) for optimal drying.
• Buy extra: Purchase 10 to 15 percent more paint than calculated for touch-ups and waste.
• One gallon of paint covers about 350 sq ft (the industry standard for smooth, primed surfaces).

Paint Calculation Formula

Wall area = Perimeter × Ceiling height

Net paintable area = Wall area − (doors × 21 sq ft) − (windows × 15 sq ft)

Gallons needed = (Net paintable area × number of coats) ÷ 350