The Painting Cost Calculator estimates the cost of a painting job in two ways: by area, using a labor rate per square foot, or by hours, using a painting speed and hourly rate. Both include the paint, rounded up to whole gallons.
Painting Cost Calculator
Estimate a painting job: paint cost, labour by area or by hours, prep and supplies.
Use it for a room, a house, a fence or any surface. The labor rates and paint prices shown are examples — replace them with your local quotes.
Formula
By area: Total = gallons × price + A × labor rate + supplies
By hours: Hours = A × coats ÷ painting speed; Total = hours × hourly rate + gallons × price
Gallons = ⌈A × coats ÷ coverage⌉
Where A = area to paint and painting speed = ft² painted per hour per coat.
How the Calculation Works
Step 1: Paint needed = area × coats ÷ coverage, rounded up.
Step 2: Labor either by area × rate or by hours × rate.
Step 3: Add supplies and prep in area mode.
Example Calculation
By area
Given (example prices): 800 ft², 2 coats, 350 ft²/gal, $45/gal, $2/ft² labor, $100 supplies
Gallons = 1,600 ÷ 350 = 4.57 → 5 → $225
Labor = 800 × 2 = $1,600
Total = $1,925
By hours
Given: 800 ft², 150 ft²/h, 2 coats, $50/h, $45/gal
Hours = 1,600 ÷ 150 ≈ 10.7 h → $533.33
Total = 533.33 + 225 = $758.33
What Affects Painting Cost
- Prep: patching, sanding, caulking, priming and protecting floors.
- Height and access — ladders, scaffolding or lifts.
- Surface: smooth drywall paints faster than textured siding or detailed trim.
- Paint quality and sheen.
- Local labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do painters calculate cost?
Commonly per square foot or per hour, plus materials; the calculator supports both.
How much does it cost to paint 1,000 square feet?
Paint for the area plus 1,000 × your labor rate; enter local prices for a figure.
How fast can a painter paint?
It varies by surface and method; enter a speed that matches your job.
Why is labor in area mode not multiplied by coats?
Per-ft² quotes usually cover the whole job; in hours mode each coat adds time.
Does this include primer?
Add primer to supplies, or calculate it as an extra coat.