How much paint do you need for 500 square feet?

Painting 500 square feet of wall takes 1 gallon + 2 quarts for one coat or 3 gallons 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 buy3 gallons
Paintable wall area500 sq ft
Exact wall paint (2 coats)2.86 gal
Primer, if needed (1 coat)1 gallon + 2 quarts
How much paint do you need for 500 square feet — diagram

Paint for 500 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/gal1 gallon + 1 quart2 gallons + 2 quarts
350 sq ft/gal1 gallon + 2 quarts3 gallons
300 sq ft/gal2 gallons3 gallons + 2 quarts
250 sq ft/gal2 gallons4 gallons

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

500 sq ft × 2 coats ÷ 350 = 2.86 gallons

Common questions

How many gallons of paint for 500 square feet?

1 gallon + 2 quarts for one coat, 3 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

100 sq ft200 sq ft300 sq ft400 sq ft750 sq ft1,000 sq ft1,500 sq ft2,000 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.