How to use this calculator
- Enter the wall area. Length × height of each wall, or use the room calculator (length × width × height × 2 + ceiling).
- Set price per gallon. $30–$50 for budget interior latex, $50–$80 for premium (Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore), $90+ for designer brands like Farrow & Ball.
- Two-coat assumption. Standard practice. The calculator doubles your gallon count automatically. Add primer at $20–$30/gallon if going from dark to light.
- Add labor (optional). Pro labor runs $1.50–$3.50/ft² for interior, $2.50–$5.00/ft² for exterior. Multiply your wall area to estimate.
Formula
Total Cost = Gallons × Price per Gallon (+ Labor at $/ft²)
Worked example
A 12 × 14 ft bedroom (8-ft ceilings) has 416 ft² of wall + 168 ft² ceiling. At 350 ft²/gallon coverage and 2 coats: 3.4 gallons. At $55/gal premium = $187 in paint. Pro labor at $2/ft² × 584 ft² = $1,168. DIY total: $187. Turnkey total: ~$1,355.
Common project sizes
Quick reference for the most common paint cost calculator use cases. Use these as a sanity check on your calculator inputs.
| Project | Dimensions | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom (5 × 8 × 8 ft) | 208 ft² wall | $60–$100 paint · $400–$800 turnkey |
| Bedroom (12 × 12 × 8 ft) | 384 ft² wall | $110–$185 paint · $600–$1,200 turnkey |
| Living room (16 × 20 × 9 ft) | 648 ft² wall | $185–$310 paint · $1,000–$2,000 turnkey |
| 2,000 ft² home interior | ~5,500 ft² wall | $1,575–$2,650 paint · $7,500–$15,000 turnkey |
2026 cost reference
Typical retail price range in the United States for paint cost. Local pricing varies by region, supplier, and grade — confirm with two or three quotes before ordering.
Per gallon (interior latex)
$30 – $80
Premium brands (Sherwin-Williams Cashmere, Benjamin Moore Aura) cost $70–$90/gallon and cover in fewer coats. Designer paints (Farrow & Ball) reach $130+/gallon for niche colors.
Tips for accurate results
- Buy 5-gallon buckets for any job over 3 gallons — saves 15–25% per gallon.
- Premium paint costs more but covers in one coat 60% of the time. The math often favors premium for re-paints.
- Tinted ceiling paint costs the same as wall paint. Don't skimp on the ceiling.
- Labor is 65–75% of any pro paint bill. The "expensive paint" decision is really a "DIY vs hire" decision.
When to consult a pro
Interior painting is one of the few trades where DIY quality can match pro work — the limiting factors are time, equipment, and prep. For full-house repaints, ceilings over 12 ft, or any spray application: hire. For single rooms with normal ceiling height: DIY is competitive on quality with 2× the time investment.