Paint Cost Calculator
Estimate paint cans, primer cans, material cost, labour cost and complete project budget from area, coats, coverage and entered prices.
Default project preview
$3,030.00
Paint containers
10
Primer containers
6
Paint volume
9.43 gal
Material cost
$780.00
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Paintable surface area
Enter this project assumption in ft². The current imperial default is 1500 ft².
Paint coats
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 2. Minimum: 1.
Primer coats
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 1. Minimum: 0.
Paint coverage per unit
Enter this project assumption in ft²/gal. The current imperial default is 350 ft²/gal.
Primer coverage per unit
Enter this project assumption in ft²/gal. The current imperial default is 300 ft²/gal.
Container size
Enter this project assumption in gal. The current imperial default is 1 gal.
Waste allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 10 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Price per paint container
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 45. Minimum: 0.
Price per primer container
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 35. Minimum: 0.
Labour rate per surface area
Enter this project assumption in per ft². The current imperial default is 1.5 per ft². Minimum: 0.
Fixed supplies cost
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 120. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Paint containers
1 gal each. Default preview: 10.
Primer containers
1 gal each. Default preview: 6.
Paint volume
before container rounding. Default preview: 9.43 gal.
Material cost
paint, primer and supplies. Default preview: $780.00.
Labour cost
entered area rate. Default preview: $2,250.00.
Cost per area
per ft². Default preview: $2.02.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Paint volume = area × paint coats × waste factor ÷ coverage. Containers are rounded up. Total budget = paint + primer + supplies + area-based labour.
Reviewed project guidance
How to use this estimate in a real project
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026
Turn coat area, product coverage, container size and local price into a purchase and cost estimate.
Calculation steps
- 1Enter the actual project dimensions or operating values.
- 2Apply the calculator formula using consistent units.
- 3Review the unrounded result and the editable allowance.
- 4Round only to the product, stock length or equipment increment actually purchased.
Worked numerical example
Two coats over 1,200 ft² create 2,400 ft² of coverage demand; at 350 ft²/gal, round 6.86 gal to available containers.
Purchasing and rounding
Use the coating's published coverage for the substrate and finish, multiply area by the planned number of coats, then convert required volume into the can sizes actually sold. Compare combinations of large and small cans to limit unnecessary leftover paint while retaining enough for touch-ups.
Interpret the result
The cost result is a purchase estimate based on entered coverage and container prices. Porous surfaces, strong color changes, spraying losses and primer requirements can increase consumption, so separate those conditions from the nominal coverage printed on the product.
Page-specific assumptions
- Inputs describe one consistent project condition.
- Entered yields and efficiencies match the selected product or equipment.
- Site-specific code and engineering requirements are checked separately.
Common mistakes
- Mixing imperial and metric inputs.
- Using nominal dimensions where actual coverage controls.
- Rounding intermediate values too early.
- Treating a quantity estimate as design approval.
Primary and technical references
BuildMeter provides planning estimates, not engineering, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit or code approval. Review the methodology and verify final decisions with product documentation and qualified professionals.
FAQ
Paint Cost Calculator questions
Why is labour based on area instead of gallons?+
Painting labour is usually driven by preparation, access and surface area rather than paint volume alone.
Should primer always be included?+
Not always. New drywall, stains, repairs and major colour changes often need primer, while some repainting jobs may not.
Does the estimate include trim and doors?+
Only when their area and labour are included in the entered surface area or added separately.