ListoTradesHow the calculator works
- Area to paint. Walls = 2 × (length + width) × height. We subtract about 21 sq ft per door and 15 sq ft per window, and add length × width if you also paint the ceiling.
- Paint. Area × coats ÷ coverage. Most interior paints cover 350 to 400 sq ft per gallon on smooth walls; textured, porous or dark surfaces need more. The result is rounded up to whole gallons.
- Supplies. Tape, plastic, rollers, brushes and patching compound, as a percentage of the paint cost.
- Labor. Area × coats ÷ your painting speed, plus extra time for prep and cleanup. A skilled painter usually rolls 150 to 200 sq ft per hour per coat on open walls; cutting in, trim and furniture slow you down.
- Price. Paint + supplies + labor = your costs. Your profit percentage is added on top.
How much do painters charge?
Prices vary a lot by state, city and type of job. As a rough guide, many contractors land between $2 and $6 per square foot of wall for interior repaints, labor and materials included, and more for detailed trim, high ceilings or heavy repairs. Instead of copying someone else's price, use your own costs: the calculator shows the price per square foot that covers your paint, your time and your profit.
Tips for an accurate painting price
- Measure, don't guess. A 10% error in square feet is a 10% error in your price.
- Charge for prep. Patching, sanding, caulking and protecting floors can take as long as the painting itself. Raise the prep percentage for older homes.
- Exteriors are different. Use "I already know the square feet", add more prep time (scraping, pressure washing) and check the coverage of exterior paint.
- Include all your costs in your hourly rate. Insurance, your truck, tools, taxes and the hours you don't bill (estimates, driving, buying materials).
- Put it in writing. Turn the result into a clear estimate with the scope of work and a deposit.
Frequently asked questions
How many gallons of paint do I need for a 12 × 12 room?
With 8-foot walls, one door and two windows, the walls are about 333 sq ft. Two coats at 350 sq ft per gallon need about 1.9 gallons, so you buy 2 gallons. Add about 0.8 gallons if you also paint the ceiling with two coats.
Should I charge by the hour or by the square foot?
Clients usually prefer a fixed price for the whole job. Calculate it with your hours and costs, as this tool does, and then give the client one total price. Track your real hours on each job to adjust your painting speed for next time.
What profit percentage should I use?
Many small contractors add 15% to 30% on top of their costs. Remember that profit is not your salary: your labor is already paid in the labor line. Profit is what the business keeps to grow and to cover surprises.