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

Planning your budget?

Read the full Exterior Paint Cost Guide 2026

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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.

Frequently asked questions

How much paint do I need for a 2,000 sq ft house exterior?⌄
A typical 2,000 sq ft house needs 10-15 gallons of exterior paint for two coats, depending on surface texture, the number of windows and doors, and the home shape. Rough surfaces like stucco push you toward the high end.
How many square feet does a gallon of exterior paint cover?⌄
One gallon of exterior paint covers 250-400 square feet per coat. Smooth surfaces like vinyl or aluminum siding get up to 400 sq ft per gallon, while porous stucco or brick may only get 200-250 sq ft.
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior in 2026?⌄
Professional exterior painting runs about $1.50 to $5 per square foot of paintable surface in 2026, including prep, labor, and materials. DIY costs drop to mostly paint: roughly $30-$75 per gallon depending on quality.
Do I need primer before painting my house?⌄
Use primer on bare wood, repaired or patched areas, heavily weathered surfaces, and when making a drastic color change. If you are repainting a sound surface in a similar color, quality paint-and-primer-in-one products are usually enough.
What is the best temperature to paint outside?⌄
Paint when temperatures are between 50-85°F with low humidity and no rain in the forecast for 24 hours. Avoid painting in direct hot sun or late in the day when dew can settle on fresh paint.

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