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PaintingExterior Paint Calculator — How Much Paint for the Outside?
Add up the outside wall length, enter the wall height and coats, and get the gallons of exterior paint. Rough siding covers less than smooth interior walls.
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How this calculator works
We figure wall area (perimeter × height), multiply by coats, and divide by about 300 sq ft per gallon. Rough or textured siding (stucco, rough cedar) can drop well below that.
What changes how much you need
- Textured siding — stucco, rough cedar, split-face block — can need 30–50% more paint.
- Two coats is standard outside for color depth and weather protection.
- Don’t forget soffits, fascia, and trim — estimate trim paint separately.
- Paint in dry weather, out of direct hot sun, with no rain for 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much exterior paint for a house?
Estimate the wall area (perimeter × height) and divide by ~300 sq ft per gallon per coat. A typical single-story house often takes 6–10 gallons for two coats.
Why does exterior paint cover less?
Siding is usually rougher and more porous than interior drywall, so each gallon spreads over less area.
How many coats outside?
Two, almost always — for even color and to stand up to sun and weather.