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Paint Formula:
The Interior House Painting Calculator estimates the amount of paint required to cover interior walls based on the total area to be painted, the paint's coverage rate, and the number of coats needed.
The calculator uses the paint formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the base amount needed for one coat (area ÷ coverage) and multiplies by the number of coats to get the total paint requirement.
Details: Accurate paint estimation helps avoid waste, ensures you purchase the right amount, prevents project delays, and helps with budget planning for your painting project.
Tips: Measure the total wall area accurately, check the paint can for coverage specifications (typically 300-400 sq ft/gallon), and consider applying primer separately. Always round up to the nearest whole gallon to account for waste and touch-ups.
Q1: How do I calculate wall area?
A: Measure length and height of each wall, multiply to get area, then sum all wall areas. Subtract areas for windows and doors.
Q2: What is a typical paint coverage rate?
A: Most interior paints cover 300-400 square feet per gallon. Higher quality paints often have better coverage.
Q3: How many coats are usually needed?
A: Most projects require 2 coats for even coverage and color consistency. Dark colors or major color changes may need 3 coats.
Q4: Should I include primer in the calculation?
A: Primer should be calculated separately as it has different coverage rates and is applied before painting.
Q5: How much extra paint should I buy for touch-ups?
A: It's recommended to buy 10-15% extra paint for future touch-ups and to account for application waste.