House Painting Cost Calculator
Created by: James Porter
Last updated:
Calculate comprehensive house painting costs for interior and exterior projects. This painting cost calculator estimates paint materials, labor expenses, and total project costs with detailed breakdowns for accurate home improvement budgeting.
What is a House Painting Cost Calculator?
A house painting cost calculator estimates the total expense for interior or exterior painting projects based on room dimensions, paint quality, and labor costs. It calculates paint quantities, material costs, and professional painter rates to provide comprehensive project budgets.
This tool helps homeowners plan painting projects by accounting for paint coverage, primer needs, multiple coats, and regional labor variations. Professional painting costs typically range from $2-6 per square foot depending on location and project complexity.
How to Calculate House Painting Costs
Painting cost calculations involve multiple factors:
Paintable Area = Total Wall Area - Windows - Doors
Paint Needed = Paintable Area ÷ Coverage per Gallon
Total Cost = Material Cost + Labor Cost
House Painting Formulas
Area Calculations:
Wall Area = (Length + Width) × 2 × Height
Paintable Area = Wall Area - Window Area - Door Area
Paint Coverage:
Standard Coverage: 350-400 sq ft per gallon
Primer Coverage: 300-350 sq ft per gallon
Labor Costs:
Basic: $2-3 per sq ft
Premium: $4-6 per sq ft
House Painting Cost Example
Example: 12' × 15' room with 9' ceilings
Calculations:
• Wall Area: (12 + 15) × 2 × 9 = 486 sq ft
• Less Windows/Doors: 486 - 60 = 426 sq ft
• Paint Needed: 426 ÷ 375 = 1.14 gallons
• Paint Cost: 1.14 × $45 = $51
• Labor Cost: 426 × $3 = $1,278
• Total Cost: $51 + $1,278 = $1,329
Common Applications
- Interior Projects: Room painting, accent walls, whole house interiors
- Exterior Projects: House siding, trim, shutters, garage doors
- Commercial Projects: Office spaces, retail stores, restaurants
- Renovation Planning: Budgeting for home improvement projects
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need for a room?
Calculate total wall area, subtract windows and doors, then divide by paint coverage (typically 350-400 sq ft per gallon). Always buy 10-15% extra for touch-ups and future maintenance.
What factors affect painting costs?
Room size, ceiling height, paint quality, number of coats, surface preparation, regional labor rates, and project complexity all influence painting costs. Premium paints and detailed prep work increase expenses.
Should I hire professionals or DIY?
DIY saves 50-70% on labor costs but requires time, tools, and skill. Professional painters provide expertise, equipment, warranties, and time savings, making them worthwhile for large or complex projects.
How long does house painting take?
Interior rooms typically take 1-3 days, while whole house exteriors require 3-7 days depending on size and weather. Proper preparation and drying time between coats extend project duration.
Sources and References
- HomeAdvisor, 2024, "House Painting Cost Guide", Home Improvement Database
- Painting Contractors Association, "Professional Painting Standards and Pricing"