How much paint do you need to paint a house?

# Paint Quantity for a House

The amount of paint you need depends on several factors:

Key Variables: - House size – A typical 2,000 sq ft house needs about 8-15 gallons for exterior walls (primer + 2 coats) - Number of coats – Most jobs need 2 coats; new surfaces or color changes may need primer + 2 coats - Surface condition – Rough or porous surfaces use more paint - Color change – Going from dark to light (or vice versa) often requires primer - Interior vs. exterior – Exterior typically needs more paint due to larger surface areas and weather exposure

General Rule of Thumb: One gallon covers about 350-400 sq ft with one coat. For a typical exterior, plan for 1 gallon per 350 sq ft, then multiply by the number of coats needed.

Best Approach: Professional painters calculate exact needs by measuring wall square footage, accounting for trim, doors, and windows. This is something a local painter can quickly estimate during a consultation. Most painting contractors offer free quotes where they'll assess your specific project and recommend the right amount and type of paint.

If you'd like help finding a qualified painter in your area who can give you an accurate estimate, check out Painters.city to browse local contractors and get personalized quotes!