Gallons of paint by room size
| Room (8 ft walls) | Wall area | Two coats | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft, 1 window | 284 sq ft | 1.62 gal | 2 gallons |
| 12 × 12 ft, 2 windows | 333 sq ft | 1.90 gal | 2 gallons |
| 12 × 14 ft, 2 windows | 365 sq ft | 2.09 gal | 2 gallons + 1 quart |
| 14 × 16 ft, 3 windows | 414 sq ft | 2.37 gal | 2 gallons + 2 quarts |
Each room has one door. Walls only; ceilings need about another gallon for a 12 × 12 room. Coverage is 350 square feet per gallon.
What lowers coverage
New drywall, bare wood, textured walls and big color changes all soak up more paint. Prime first, or plan on 250 to 300 square feet per gallon.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover with two coats?
About 175 to 200 square feet of wall, since each coat uses 350 to 400 square feet worth of paint.
How much does a quart of paint cover?
About 90 to 100 square feet per coat, a quarter of a gallon.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-31