How many gallons of paint for a bedroom?
Quick Answer
A typical bedroom needs 1–2 gallons of paint for two coats on the walls. A 10×10 bedroom needs about 1.5 gallons; a 12×12 bedroom needs 1.5–2 gallons; a 14×14 bedroom needs 2–2.5 gallons. One gallon covers 350–400 square feet. These estimates assume one door, two windows, and 8-foot ceilings.
Quick Reference Table
| Bedroom Size | Paint needed (2 coats, walls only) |
|---|---|
| Small (10×10 ft) | 1–1.5 gallons |
| Medium (12×12 ft) | 1.5–2 gallons |
| Large (14×14 ft) | 2–2.5 gallons |
| Master (14×16 ft) | 2–3 gallons |
| Add ceiling | +1 gallon (any size) |
| Add trim/doors | +1 quart |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Measure all four walls: add lengths, multiply by ceiling height. 12×12 at 8 ft: 48 × 8 = 384 sq ft gross.
- 2
Subtract 1 door (21 sq ft) and 2 windows (30 sq ft): 384 − 51 = 333 sq ft net.
- 3
Divide by 350 (coverage per gallon): 333 ÷ 350 = 0.95 gallons per coat.
- 4
Multiply by 2 coats: 1.9 gallons. Round up to 2 gallons.
Pro Tip
If you're going from a dark color to light (or vice versa), buy a tinted primer in a similar shade to your topcoat. It cuts to true coverage in 2 coats instead of 3, saving a gallon and a day of work.
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