Paint Calculator

Exterior Paint Calculator

exterior paint calculator. Gallons for house exterior by wall dimensions, subtracting doors, windows, and unpainted areas.

The Short Answer: A 2,000 sq ft exterior (walls only) needs about 6 gallons for two coats at 350 sq ft/gallon. Rough surfaces (stucco, brick) absorb more paint — reduce coverage to 200-250 sq ft/gallon. Primer coat needed if color-changing or on bare wood.

Exterior Paint Calculator

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Exterior House Paint Guide

Exterior paint estimation is trickier than interior because surfaces are rougher, coverage rates are lower, and you're painting much larger areas. Smooth siding gets 350 sq ft per gallon. Rough-sawn wood, stucco, and brick absorb more paint -- plan on 200-250 sq ft per gallon. This difference is significant: a 2,000 sq ft exterior takes 6 gallons on smooth siding but 8-10 gallons on stucco.

Don't forget trim, soffits, and fascia -- these are usually a different color and add 10-20% to your total paint quantity. Use an exterior acrylic latex for the body and a compatible trim paint for detail work. Always prime bare wood and any surface where the previous paint has peeled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Measure the total wall area (perimeter x wall height) and subtract doors and windows. A typical 1,500 sq ft single-story house has roughly 1,800 sq ft of wall area. At 350 sq ft/gallon (smooth) and 2 coats: about 10 gallons of body color plus 2-3 gallons for trim. Rough surfaces: 14-16 gallons body.

Every 5-10 years depending on climate, paint quality, and surface condition. South- and west-facing walls fade faster from UV exposure. Quality acrylic latex lasts longer than cheaper paints. Signs it is time: visible chalking (white powder when you rub the surface), peeling, cracking, or fading beyond the acceptable range.

The Bottom Line

Free exterior paint calculator. Gallons for house exterior by wall dimensions, subtracting doors, windows, and unpainted areas. Accurate measurements prevent over-ordering and under-ordering — both cost you money and time. Enter your project dimensions above, add 10% for waste, and order with confidence.