Paint Coverage Cheat Sheet
How far a gallon really goes, how many coats you need, and which sheen belongs in each room — on one printable page
The number one reason a paint job runs short or costs too much is guessing at coverage. A gallon does not cover the same area on new drywall as it does on a smooth repaint, and primer changes everything. This sheet gives you real-world coverage rates by surface, a coats-and-primer plan for common jobs, and a sheen guide so you buy the right finish the first time.
Coverage per Gallon by Surface
| Surface | Per Gallon (1 coat) |
|---|---|
| Smooth drywall / plaster | 350-400 sq ft |
| Primer on new drywall | 200-300 sq ft |
| Light texture (orange peel) | 300-350 sq ft |
| Heavy texture / popcorn | 200-250 sq ft |
| Bare / raw wood | 200-300 sq ft |
| Smooth concrete / block | 200-300 sq ft |
| Rough brick / split-face block | 100-200 sq ft |
| Exterior stucco | 150-250 sq ft |
Rates assume a quality paint. Cheap paint and sprayers (overspray) both lower real coverage — buy an extra quart for touch-ups.
How Many Coats You Need
| Job | Coat Plan |
|---|---|
| New / bare drywall | 1 primer + 2 finish |
| Dark color over light | 1 primer + 2-3 finish |
| Light color over dark | 2-3 finish coats |
| Same-color refresh | 1-2 finish coats |
| Ceilings | 2 coats |
| Trim, doors, cabinets | 1 primer + 2 finish |
Which Sheen Goes Where
| Sheen | Best For |
|---|---|
| Flat / Matte | Ceilings, low-traffic adult bedrooms |
| Eggshell | Living rooms, dining, bedrooms |
| Satin | Hallways, kids rooms, family rooms |
| Semi-gloss | Kitchens, baths, trim, doors |
| Gloss | Cabinets, high-wear trim, railings |
Quick Gallon Estimator
Paintable area = (room perimeter in ft x wall height in ft) minus 20 sq ft per door and 15 sq ft per window. Then gallons = (paintable area / 350) x number of coats. Round up to the next whole gallon.