The chart below is math based on an explicitly stated 350 sq ft/gal example—not a promise for every product or surface.
Quick reference
Paint coverage planning table
| Paint | 1 coat | 2 coats | 3 coats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 quart | 88 ft² | 44 ft² | 29 ft² |
| 1 gallon | 350 ft² | 175 ft² | 117 ft² |
| 2 gallons | 700 ft² | 350 ft² | 233 ft² |
| 5 gallons | 1,750 ft² | 875 ft² | 583 ft² |
Uses 350 sq ft per gallon. Product coverage, surface texture, application and color change can alter actual results.
01 / Formula
How this is calculated
One-coat area = container gallons × coverage rate; two-coat area = one-coat area ÷ 202 / Assumptions
What the estimate assumes
- ✓The reference rate is 350 sq ft per gallon.
- ✓One quart equals 0.25 gallon.
- ✓Always replace the reference rate with the label value for the selected coating.
03 / Worked example
See the math in context
A 2-gallon purchase at 350 sq ft/gal covers 700 sq ft for one coat or 350 sq ft for two coats.
04 / Guidance
Reference coverage
Quart: 88 sq ft one coat / 44 sq ft two coats. One gallon: 350 / 175. Two gallons: 700 / 350. Five gallons: 1,750 / 875.
05 / Guidance
Why actual coverage differs
Application thickness, surface texture, porosity, overspray, color contrast, and coating formulation all affect the amount used.
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.