Exterior Paint Calculator
Calculate how much exterior paint you need for your home. Accounts for surface type, coats, primer, and openings.
🎨 Enter Your Home Dimensions
Add all four sides of your home
Set to 0 if no gables
Total area of all windows and doors
Rough surfaces need more paint
How to Calculate Exterior Paint
Our exterior paint calculator estimates gallons needed based on your home's dimensions, surface type, and number of coats. Getting the right amount saves you trips to the store and wasted money.
Paint Coverage by Surface
A gallon of exterior paint typically covers 250-400 square feet depending on the surface texture. Smooth surfaces like vinyl siding get up to 400 sq ft per gallon, while rough surfaces like stucco or brick may only get 200 sq ft per gallon.
How Many Coats of Exterior Paint?
Two coats is standard for most exterior paint jobs. You may need three coats when making a dramatic color change (dark to light or light to dark). One coat may be sufficient for touch-ups or painting the same color.
FAQ
How much paint for a 1,500 sq ft house?
A typical 1,500 sq ft home requires 10-15 gallons of exterior paint for two coats, depending on the number and size of windows, surface texture, and home shape.
Do I need primer for exterior painting?
Primer is recommended for bare wood, new construction, heavily weathered surfaces, or major color changes. Many premium exterior paints include primer (paint + primer in one), which can reduce the total number of coats needed.