Paint for 400 sq ft by coverage
Use 400 for smooth, previously painted walls and 250 for texture, bare drywall or masonry.
| Coverage | 1 coat | 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| 400 sq ft/gal | 1 gallon | 2 gallons |
| 350 sq ft/gal | 1 gallon + 1 quart | 2 gallons + 2 quarts |
| 300 sq ft/gal | 1 gallon + 2 quarts | 3 gallons |
| 250 sq ft/gal | 2 gallons | 3 gallons + 1 quart |
Single gallons and quarts are the right size for this job. Measure wall area as wall width × height, minus doors (about 21 sq ft) and windows (about 15 sq ft).
The math
400 sq ft × 2 coats ÷ 350 = 2.29 gallons
Common questions
How many gallons of paint for 400 square feet?
1 gallon + 1 quart for one coat, 2 gallons + 2 quarts for two coats at 350 sq ft per gallon.
Want the full method, tips and other sizes? See the paint calculator guide.