MaterialScopeHow much does one gallon of paint cover?
Use the stated coverage per coat, then adjust for your surface and project.
One coat and two coats are different
If a product covers 350 square feet per gallon per coat, two coats over 350 square feet require two gallons before any allowance. Coats multiply the paint requirement; they do not increase the size of the wall.
| 400 ft², two coats, 10% extra | Calculated paint |
|---|---|
| At 300 ft²/gal | 2.93 gallons |
| At 350 ft²/gal | 2.51 gallons |
| At 400 ft²/gal | 2.20 gallons |
Why actual coverage changes
A rough or porous surface, application method and the selected product can affect consumption. Read preparation requirements and coverage guidance together. An unprepared substrate may need a different treatment rather than simply more paint.
Choose quantities after estimating
The calculated gallons show material demand, while whole gallons show one purchasing option. Keep batch/color consistency in mind and retain product details for future touch-ups. Estimate primer separately using its own coverage.
How much wall one gallon finishes
Coats divide the area a gallon can finish. At a stated 350 ft² per gallon, one gallon finishes about 350 ft² in one coat, 175 ft² in two coats or about 117 ft² in three coats, before any allowance. A quart is a quarter of a gallon, so at the same rate it covers about 87.5 ft² per coat.
Example: working backward from a wall
A 14 × 8-foot accent wall is 112 ft². Two coats at 350 ft²/gal need 0.64 gallons, or about 0.70 gallons with 10% extra. One gallon covers it with some left for touch-ups; three quarts would also work if sold. Enter your own area in the paint calculator to check.
Product reference: Sherwin-Williams paint calculator guidance. Confirm the current label for your chosen product.
Change the measurements and allowance to match your plan.
Open Paint CalculatorMaterialScope editorial · Updated September 29, 2026 · Calculation methodology