BuildRuler

Build & DIY estimates

How much paint for a 12×16 room?

  • Manufacturer bag yields · published coverage rates
  • Updated
  • Reviewed by Alex · How we calculate

12×16 room: paint by wall height

Wall heightPaintable sq ftGallons (2 coats)Buy
8 ft3982.273
9 ft4542.593
10 ft5102.913

1 door and 2 windows deducted; 350 sq ft per gallon.

Worked example

Perimeter: 2 × (12 + 16) = 56 ft. With 8 ft walls: 448 sq ft, minus 20 (door) and 30 (two windows) = 398 sq ft. Two coats: 796 ÷ 350 = 2.27 gallons. The ceiling adds 192 sq ft per coat (about 1.10 gallons for two coats).

Frequently asked questions

How many gallons to paint a 12×16 room?

About 2.27 gallons for two coats on 8 ft walls (buy 3).