Home Back

Exterior House Painting Calculator

Paint Calculation Formula:

\[ \text{Paint (gallons)} = \frac{A_{\text{exterior}}}{C} \times N \]

square feet
square feet per gallon
unitless

1. What is the Exterior House Painting Calculator?

The Exterior House Painting Calculator estimates the amount of paint needed for painting the exterior of a house based on the total surface area, paint coverage rate, and number of coats required.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the paint calculation formula:

\[ \text{Paint (gallons)} = \frac{A_{\text{exterior}}}{C} \times N \]

Where:

  • \( A_{\text{exterior}} \) — Total exterior surface area (square feet)
  • \( C \) — Paint coverage rate (square feet per gallon)
  • \( N \) — Number of coats required (unitless)

Explanation: The formula calculates the total paint volume needed by dividing the surface area by the coverage rate and multiplying by the number of coats.

3. Importance of Accurate Paint Calculation

Details: Accurate paint calculation helps avoid wastage, ensures you purchase the right amount of paint, and helps with budget planning for painting projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the total exterior surface area accurately, check the paint can for coverage rate specifications, and determine the number of coats needed based on surface condition and paint quality.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure exterior surface area?
A: Calculate the area of each wall (height × width), add areas of all walls, and subtract areas of windows and doors.

Q2: What is a typical paint coverage rate?
A: Most quality paints cover 250-400 square feet per gallon, but check the specific product specifications.

Q3: How many coats are usually needed?
A: Most exterior surfaces require 2 coats for proper coverage and durability, but rough surfaces or color changes may require more.

Q4: Should I buy extra paint?
A: It's recommended to buy 10-15% extra paint for touch-ups and to account for surface texture and application variations.

Q5: Does surface texture affect paint coverage?
A: Yes, rough or textured surfaces require more paint than smooth surfaces due to increased surface area.

Exterior House Painting Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025