How much paint do you need for 3,000 square feet?

Painting 3,000 square feet of wall takes 9 gallons for one coat or 17 gallons + 1 quart for two coats, at a typical 350 sq ft per gallon.

Change the numbers

The calculator below is pre-filled for this project. Adjust any value — including feet and inches — and the results update instantly.

sq ft
sq ft

Check the can; 350–400 is typical.

Add prices to estimate cost (optional)
$

Enter today’s prices from your store or supplier; we never guess prices for you.

Your results

Wall paint to buy17 gallons + 1 quart
Paintable wall area3,000 sq ft
Exact wall paint (2 coats)17.14 gal
Primer, if needed (1 coat)9 gallons
How much paint do you need for 3,000 square feet — diagram

Paint for 3,000 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/gal7 gallons + 2 quarts15 gallons
350 sq ft/gal9 gallons17 gallons + 1 quart
300 sq ft/gal10 gallons20 gallons
250 sq ft/gal12 gallons24 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

3,000 sq ft × 2 coats ÷ 350 = 17.14 gallons

Common questions

How many gallons of paint for 3,000 square feet?

9 gallons for one coat, 17 gallons + 1 quart 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

1,000 sq ft1,500 sq ft2,000 sq ft2,500 sq ft

Related calculators

Drywall CalculatorSheets of 4×8, 4×10 or 4×12 drywall plus screws for any room.Square Footage CalculatorArea of rectangles, triangles and circles in sq ft, sq yd, m² and acres.Flooring CalculatorSquare feet and boxes of laminate, vinyl plank or hardwood with waste.