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.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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