How Much Paint Does a 1500 Sq Ft House Need?
Interior wall area in a 1500 sq ft home is typically 2 to 2.5 times the floor plan area, giving approximately 3,000 to 3,750 sq ft of paintable wall area. At 400 sq ft per gallon and two coats, the walls need 15 to 18.75 gallon-coats — or 7.5 to 9.4 gallons. Rounding up for waste and touch-ups, budget 9 to 12 gallons.
Add 4 to 5 gallons for ceilings (ceiling area equals floor area, divided by 400 sq ft per gallon, times 2 coats) and 2 gallons for trim. The total interior paint budget for a 1500 sq ft house is 15 to 19 gallons.
For the exterior, a 1500 sq ft home typically has 1,200 to 1,600 sq ft of paintable siding. Budget 7 to 10 gallons for two coats plus 1 to 2 gallons for exterior trim.
1500 Sq Ft House Paint — Reference Table
| Area | 1 Coat | 2 Coats | Litres (2 coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior walls | 4.5–6 gal | 9–12 gal | 34–45 litres |
| Ceilings | 2–2.5 gal | 4–5 gal | 15–19 litres |
| Interior trim | 1 gal | 2 gal | 7.5 litres |
| Exterior walls | 3.5–5 gal | 7–10 gal | 26–38 litres |
| Exterior trim | 0.5–1 gal | 1–2 gal | 3.8–7.5 litres |
Tips for Painting a 1500 Sq Ft House
Buy in 5-gallon buckets for your main wall colour — they cost 10 to 15% less per gallon than individual gallons and guarantee colour consistency.
Start with the ceilings throughout the house before any walls — any drips are covered by wall paint.
Use the same colour for multiple rooms where possible to reduce waste and ensure you can cross-use leftover paint.
A 1500 sq ft house is a 5 to 7 day DIY project working solo. Budget accordingly and do not rush drying times.
Label all leftover paint by room immediately — you will need it for touch-ups.
Related Paint Calculators
- Whole House Paint Calculator →
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- Paint Cost Calculator →
- Exterior Paint Calculator →
- Free Paint Calculator →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gallons to paint a 1500 sq ft house interior?
Budget 9 to 12 gallons for walls, 4 to 5 gallons for ceilings, and 2 gallons for trim — about 15 to 19 gallons total for the complete interior.
How much does it cost to paint a 1500 sq ft house?
Paint alone costs $300 to $700 for the interior. Professional painters charge $1,500 to $4,000 for a full interior paint job on a 1500 sq ft home.
How long does it take to paint a 1500 sq ft house?
Working solo, plan 5 to 7 days. Two painters working together can complete it in 3 to 4 days with proper drying time between coats.
How much paint for the exterior of a 1500 sq ft house?
Budget 7 to 10 gallons for two coats on exterior siding, plus 1 to 2 gallons for fascia and trim.
Should I hire or DIY a 1500 sq ft house?
DIY saves 60 to 70% on cost. However, professionals include all prep work, which is typically the most time-consuming part of any paint job.
What type of paint for a whole 1500 sq ft house?
Quality latex with built-in primer for walls. Flat white for ceilings, eggshell for living areas and bedrooms, satin for kitchens and bathrooms, semi-gloss for all trim.