Enter the price you expect to pay. RenovateMetric does not present a universal market price as fact.

01 / Formula

How this is calculated

Total = rounded paint quantity × price per gallon + supplies + labor hours × hourly rate

02 / Assumptions

What the estimate assumes

  • All prices are entered by you and are not market averages.
  • Paint is rounded up to whole gallons for costing.
  • Repairs, trim, ceilings, taxes, travel, and disposal are excluded unless added to supplies.

03 / Worked example

See the math in context

If a room requires 2 gallons, paint is $42 per gallon, supplies are $35, and labor is 8 hours at $45/hour, the estimate is $479.

04 / Guidance

Compare the same scope

When comparing DIY and contractor estimates, make sure preparation, repairs, ceilings, trim, cleanup, paint quality, and number of coats are all handled consistently.

Questions

Frequently asked

Should I round up when buying paint?+

Yes. Paint is sold in fixed container sizes, and a small reserve helps with touch-ups, porous surfaces, and application loss. The calculator shows both the theoretical quantity and a practical purchase amount.

Does paint coverage include two coats?+

Coverage printed on a can is normally stated per coat. Two coats cover the same surface twice, so the calculator multiplies net area by the number of coats before dividing by the selected coverage rate.