Use this free paint cost calculator to plan a home-improvement or DIY project from the measurements and product information you already have.
HomeCalc shows the formula behind the result and keeps product-dependent assumptions editable where possible, so the calculator can match the material, package or supplier you actually plan to use.
Enter project area, coats, paint coverage and price per gallon to estimate the paint quantity and material cost.
FREE PAINT COST ESTIMATOR
Paint Cost Calculator: Estimate Paint Material Cost
Estimate paint volume and material cost from project area, number of coats, coverage and price per gallon.
Estimated result
Estimate paint cost from quantity, not price alone
Paint material cost is the paint quantity multiplied by the unit price. HomeCalc first works out gallons from area, coats, coverage and allowance, then applies the price per gallon so changes in coverage or coat count are reflected in cost.
area × coats × allowance ÷ coverage × price per gallon = cost
What to check before using the result
- Enter the real shelf or quoted price for the product you plan to buy.
- Use that product's coverage rather than a universal value.
- The result is paint-material cost only unless other supplies are explicitly included.
- Whole-can purchasing can make the checkout total higher than a fractional-gallon mathematical cost.
A cheaper paint that needs more material or more coats may not produce the lowest project cost. Quantity and price need to be evaluated together, which is why the calculator includes both.