INTERIOR PAINTING · USA
Before you buy paint,
know exactly how much.
Convert your square feet into a clear purchase: gallons, quarts or 5-gallon pails, with real-world coverage for BEHR, Sherwin-Williams and more.
Orientative estimate at 350 sq ft/gal per coat. Actual coverage depends on brand, surface and application.
NO FINE PRINT
A clear calculation shows its assumptions.
We use 350 sq ft per gallon per coat — the mid-range of what BEHR and Glidden declare — plus a 10% margin for losses and touch-ups. Paint fresh drywall with a primer first.
See the full coverage guideArea
Square feet you want to cover.
Coats
Between one and three layers.
Margin
10% extra for losses and touch-ups.
COMMON QUESTIONS
One more coat of context.
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
Most US interior paints declare 250-400 sq ft per gallon per coat. PintaClaro uses 350 sq ft/gal as a practical mid-range: enough on prepared walls, conservative on fresh or porous drywall.
How much paint for a 12×12 room?
A 12×12 room with 8 ft ceilings has about 384 sq ft of wall after subtracting a door and a window. At 350 sq ft/gal and 2 coats, buy 3 gallons — or 2 gallons plus 2 quarts.
Why does the result come in quarts?
Buying exact amounts saves money: the calculator rounds up to the nearest quart, then suggests the best mix of 5-gallon pails and gallons for bigger projects.
Do I need primer on new drywall?
Yes. Fresh drywall and joint compound absorb paint unevenly, which causes blotchy sheen. One coat of an all-purpose primer like KILZ 2 before painting prevents it.