Painting Estimate Calculator
Estimate an interior or exterior painting job in a minute. Enter the paintable area, coats and your rates to get gallons of paint, labor hours, your cost and a bid price with markup.
How the painting estimate calculator works
A painting estimate has three parts: paint, labor and profit. Most underpriced jobs forget prep time, a second coat or the cost of tape, caulk and primer. This painting estimate calculator keeps all three in view.
Measure the paintable wall or siding area, not the floor. Subtract very large windows and doors if you want a tighter number, then enter the coats you plan to apply.
The painting speed and prep hours are the numbers that vary most between painters. Time a few of your own jobs and replace the examples with your real figures.
The formulas
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate a painting job?
Work out the paintable area, divide by the can coverage and multiply by coats to find gallons. Add labor hours, extras and your markup.
How much paint do I need per square foot?
Divide the area by the coverage on the can, usually printed per gallon, and multiply by the number of coats.
Is this for interior and exterior painting?
Yes. Enter a lower speed and more prep hours for rough exterior surfaces.
What markup should a painter use?
Pick a markup that covers overhead and leaves the profit you want. The calculator shows your profit and bid per square foot.
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Estimates only. Results depend on the numbers you enter and are not financial, tax or legal advice.