How much paint do you need for 1,000 square feet?

Painting 1,000 square feet of wall takes 3 gallons for one coat or 6 gallons for two coats, at a typical 350 sq ft per gallon.

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sq ft

Check the can; 350–400 is typical.

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Your results

Wall paint to buy6 gallons
Paintable wall area1,000 sq ft
Exact wall paint (2 coats)5.71 gal
Primer, if needed (1 coat)3 gallons
How much paint do you need for 1,000 square feet — diagram

Paint for 1,000 sq ft by coverage

Use 400 for smooth, previously painted walls and 250 for texture, bare drywall or masonry.

Coverage1 coat2 coats
400 sq ft/gal2 gallons + 2 quarts5 gallons
350 sq ft/gal3 gallons6 gallons
300 sq ft/gal3 gallons + 2 quarts7 gallons
250 sq ft/gal4 gallons8 gallons

At this size, 5-gallon buckets are usually the better buy and keep the tint consistent. Measure wall area as wall width × height, minus doors (about 21 sq ft) and windows (about 15 sq ft).

The math

1,000 sq ft × 2 coats ÷ 350 = 5.71 gallons

Common questions

How many gallons of paint for 1,000 square feet?

3 gallons for one coat, 6 gallons for two coats at 350 sq ft per gallon.

Want the full method, tips and other sizes? See the paint calculator guide.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026. Results are estimates — confirm with your supplier.

Similar sizes

300 sq ft400 sq ft500 sq ft750 sq ft1,500 sq ft2,000 sq ft2,500 sq ft3,000 sq ft

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