Paint Calculator

Professional Paint Estimation Tool

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about Paint Calculator

Answers about accuracy, measurements, estimates, saving, sharing, and troubleshooting to help you plan with confidence.

General Questions

What is Paint Calculator?▾
  • A professional paint estimation tool to calculate paint quantity (gallons and quarts), total paintable area, estimated time, and paint/supplies/total project cost across multiple rooms and surfaces.
Who can use Paint Calculator?▾
  • Homeowners, DIY painters, contractors, and property managers. No technical knowledge required.
Is Paint Calculator free to use?▾
  • Yes, the core calculator is free to use. Some advanced features may be added in the future.

Accuracy & Calculations

How accurate are the estimates?▾
  • Estimates are based on your measurements, number of coats, surface condition, and coverage rate.
  • Actual usage may vary by wall texture, paint brand, and application method. Always keep a small buffer.
Why should I buy extra paint?▾
  • Buying 10–15% extra covers touch-ups, color consistency, and minor measurement differences to prevent running out mid-project.
Why is my estimate different from the paint store’s estimate?▾
  • Coverage rates vary by brand and finish; surface texture affects absorption; stores often use general averages.
  • Paint Calculator lets you enter detailed inputs for better accuracy.

Measurements & Units

Which measurement units are supported?▾
  • Feet / Inches and Meters / Centimeters. Switching units converts all values automatically.
What should I do if my room is irregularly shaped?▾
  • Use the “Enter wall area directly” option for angled walls, curves, or sloped ceilings to avoid incorrect length and width calculations.
Why am I seeing measurement error messages?▾
  • Length, width, or height is zero or negative, or required fields are missing. Correct highlighted fields to continue.

Doors, Windows, and Surfaces

Why should I add doors and windows?▾
  • Doors and windows are not painted; adding them subtracts their area, improves accuracy, and prevents overestimating paint.
Should I subtract outlets and switches?▾
  • No. Small openings like outlets and switches should not be subtracted.
Can I choose which surfaces to paint?▾
  • Yes—select walls, ceiling, trim, and doors. Only selected surfaces are included in calculations.

Paint & Primer

What is the paint coverage rate?▾
  • It is the area one gallon covers. Default is 400 sq ft per gallon; enter a custom value if your paint specifies otherwise.
When should I include primer?▾
  • Include primer for new drywall, covering dark colors, or porous/repaired surfaces. Primer is calculated separately if enabled.
Does trim paint use the same coverage?▾
  • Trim paint often differs because it is thicker and semi-gloss or gloss; coverage may vary slightly.

Cost Estimation

Is cost estimation required?▾
  • No. You can calculate paint quantity only, or include paint, supplies, and labor costs.
What costs can I include?▾
  • Paint and primer price per gallon, labor cost, and supplies (brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths).
Why does my total cost look high?▾
  • High totals usually come from multiple coats, large areas, premium paint prices, or added labor/supplies. Check the room-by-room breakdown.

Saving, PDF, and Sharing

How do I save my project?▾
  • Click Save to store your project. Saved projects can be loaded anytime.
What is included in the PDF?▾
  • Paint quantities, cost breakdown, shopping list, and project summary—ready to print or share.
Can I share my project with others?▾
  • Yes. Use Share to generate a link so others can view your estimate.

Troubleshooting

My totals look incorrect. What should I check?▾
  • Verify room dimensions, measurement units, number of coats, doors/windows, and selected surfaces. Missing height or openings are common causes.
My project did not save. What should I do?▾
  • Ensure you clicked Save, avoid clearing browser storage, reload the page, and contact support if it continues.

Limitations & Disclaimer

Is this a contractor quote?▾
  • No. Paint Calculator provides planning estimates only; it is not a binding contractor quote.
Can I use this for professional projects?▾
  • Yes. Many professionals use it for early-stage estimates and planning.

Support

How can I contact support?▾
  • Email support@thepaintcalculator.com. Support is available 24/7.

Final Note

Paint Calculator helps you plan confidently, reduce waste, and avoid surprises. Always allow a small buffer for real-world conditions.