Paint Cost Calculator
Estimate interior painting costs by wall area, coats, labor choice, and market.
Interior painting is one of the easiest projects to underestimate because the room footprint is not the painted surface area. BeforeQuote calculates wall surface, subtracts common openings, applies the number of coats, and then separates DIY material costs from hired labor.
How this estimate is calculated
The planning formula uses this model: wall area = (length + width) x 2 x height - openings; hired work uses an installed per-square-foot rate, while DIY estimates gallons, supplies, and paint quality.The output is shown as a low, typical, and high range so you can compare assumptions instead of treating one number as a quote.
Planning notes
- Measure wall height separately in older homes. A room with 9-foot or 10-foot walls can change the price more than the floor area suggests.
- Use the difficult or complex setting when walls need patching, stain blocking, texture matching, trim protection, or tall-ladder work.
- The estimate does not include lead paint remediation, extensive drywall repair, cabinet refinishing, or exterior painting.
Factors that change the price
- Wall condition and prep time
- Paint quality and number of coats
- Ceiling height and access
- Trim, doors, accent walls, and color changes
- Local labor rates and scheduling demand
DIY vs hiring a pro
DIY can reduce labor cost for simple, low-risk work, but the savings disappear when a project needs permits, structural changes, licensed trades, waterproofing, gas, electrical, roof access, or specialized tools. Use the calculator to understand the scope, then ask contractors to explain which assumptions are included in their bids.
Frequently asked questions
How many gallons of paint do I need?
A common planning rule is about 350 square feet per gallon per coat. Rough texture, deep color changes, and primer can increase the gallons needed.
Is DIY painting much cheaper?
DIY usually reduces labor cost, but supplies, primer, tape, drop cloths, tools, and extra time still matter. Hired painters are often worth it for tall rooms, damaged walls, or tight timelines.