How Much Paint for a 12x12 Room

Estimate paint gallons for a typical 12x12 room using wall height, doors, windows, coats, and waste.

Start with wall area

For a 12x12 room with 8 foot walls, wall area is 2 x (12 + 12) x 8, or 384 square feet before openings.

Subtract standard doors and windows when you want a tighter estimate, but keep some waste for touch-ups and repairs.

Two coats are common for interior walls. Multiply paintable area by the number of coats before converting to gallons.

If the estimate is close to the next gallon, round up so the room can be finished with paint from the same purchase.

Is one gallon enough for a 12x12 room?

One gallon may cover one coat on smooth walls, but two coats usually need more.

Does ceiling paint change the estimate?

Yes. A 12x12 ceiling adds 144 square feet per coat.

Should trim be included?

Trim is usually estimated separately because it often uses a different paint.

Open the calculators and enter your dimensions to estimate materials before you shop.