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.
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.
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.