How Much Paint Do I Need?

With Pinterest being the super-mega-amazing-powerhouse that it is picking your paint colors has become a never ending rabbit hole of inspiration! Hours of looking at paint swatches and painting samples on the wall culminates in one major question… how much paint do I need?

Here’s the thing though… it’s not rocket science! (It just seems like rocket science… I promise!)

There’s actually a really easy (quick) formula that can help you determine exactly how much paint you’ll need for every single room in your home.

Looking for a bunch of posts on painting? I’ve got you covered!
Click here to see all of my helpful paint posts in one place!

((Length + Length + Width + Width) x Height) x 2 / 350 = How Much Paint to Buy!

So if you have a 10×12 room with 9 foot ceilings your math would look like this:

((10 + 10 + 12 + 12) x 9) x 2 / 350 = 2.26 gallons

(44 x 9) x 2 / 350 = 2.26 gallons

(396 x 2) / 350 = 2.26 gallons

792 / 350 = 2.26 gallons

Typically one gallon of paint will cover 350 square feet so if you know the dimensions of your room you should be able to figure out exactly how many gallons you’ll need for every single room.

Since you can’t buy 2.26 gallons it’s easiest to round down if your decimal is under .6 and to round down if your decimal is .7 or over! Since this method doesn’t take into consideration doors or windows rounding is the best way to make sure you have the proper amount of paint!

Ready to Paint?! Don’t forget the painting supplies!

Of course if you have a room with lots of doors or windows the calculations become a bit more complex… try using this handy little app to calculate how many gallons you’ll need!

Now wasn’t that easy?

So go forward and pick your favorite paint color (I’ve complied a list of the most popular paint colors for 2016 if you need a starting point!)… once you’re set with your perfect color you’ll know exactly how many gallons you’ll need!