Exterior Paint Calculator — Calculate Paint Needed for Your Home

Exterior Paint Calculator

Calculate how much exterior paint you need for your home. Estimate gallons needed based on surface area, number of coats, and paint coverage per gallon.

Step 1: Surface Measurements

1,500
Small House Large House
2
1 Coat 3 Coats

Paint Calculation Formula

Gallons Needed = (Surface Area × Number of Coats) ÷ Coverage per Gallon
Always add 10-15% extra for waste, touch-ups, and complex surfaces.

Step 2: Paint Options

$35
Budget Premium

Coverage Guidelines

Economy Paint: 200-250 sq. ft./gallon
Standard Paint: 250-300 sq. ft./gallon
Premium Paint: 300-350 sq. ft./gallon
High-End Paint: 350-400+ sq. ft./gallon

Paint Calculation Results

Summary
Paint Comparison
Formula & Tips

Total Paint Needed

12.0 gal
$420 • 48 quarts • 384 pints
Gallons Needed
12.0 gal
Total Cost
$420
Quarts Needed
48 qts
Cost per Sq. Ft.
$0.28

Paint Type Comparison

Paint Type Coverage (sq. ft./gal) Avg. Price/Gal Durability

Paint Calculation Formula

Basic Formula: Gallons = (Area × Coats) ÷ Coverage

Where:
• Area = Total surface area in square feet
• Coats = Number of paint coats needed
• Coverage = Square feet covered per gallon of paint

Always add 10-20% extra for:
• Waste and spillage
• Complex surfaces (textured, porous)
• Touch-ups and future repairs

Painting Tips

Professional Painting Tips

1. Always clean and prep surfaces before painting
2. Use primer on bare wood, metal, or stained surfaces
3. Check weather conditions – ideal temperature is 50-85°F
4. Buy all paint from the same batch for color consistency
5. Use high-quality brushes and rollers for better coverage
6. Paint from top to bottom and work in sections
7. Allow proper drying time between coats

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