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Coverage per gallon and per quart
| Coverage assumption | 1 gallon, 1 coat | 1 gallon, 2 coats | 1 quart, 2 coats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical label range (low) | 250 sq ft | 125 sq ft | 31 sq ft |
| Default used here | 350 sq ft | 175 sq ft | 44 sq ft |
| Typical label range (high) | 400 sq ft | 200 sq ft | 50 sq ft |
What that means for a room
A 12×12 room with 8 ft walls has 2 × (12 + 12) × 8 = 384 sq ft of wall. Take off about 20 sq ft for a door and 15 sq ft for each of two windows and you have 334 sq ft. Two coats at 350 sq ft per gallon is 1.91 gallons, so buy 2 gallons. A 10×10 room with the same openings needs 1.54 gallons.
Why your can may cover less
Coverage on the label assumes a smooth, primed surface. Expect less on textured walls, fresh drywall, bare wood, masonry, or when covering a dark color with a light one, and expect more paint to go into a roller on the first coat. Ceilings are measured separately: a 12×12 ceiling is 144 sq ft.
Gallons vs. 5-gallon buckets
Paint is usually sold in quarts, gallons and 5-gallon pails. If your total is more than about 3 gallons of one color, compare the 5-gallon price, and box (mix together) multiple cans so the color is consistent from wall to wall.
Related
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
Typically 250–400 sq ft per coat, depending on the paint and surface; check your can.
How many gallons of paint for a 12×12 room?
About 1.91 gallons for two coats on 8 ft walls (buy 2).
How much does a quart of paint cover?
About a quarter of a gallon: roughly 60–100 sq ft per coat.
Do I need two coats of paint?
Usually yes for even color, especially when changing colors.