Cost Estimators · Painting
Painting Cost Per Sq Ft Calculator
Tell us your wall area and instantly estimate your painting cost — interior or exterior.
Interior and exterior painting are priced differently — and most online estimates won't tell you why. Interior walls average $2–$4/sq ft; exterior painting can reach $6+ depending on siding type and the prep work required. Use this calculator to get a realistic range before you call a contractor.
Enter an area above to see your estimate
Using national average: $2–$6/sq ft
Estimates are based on national averages and are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and material choice.
Example: 1,200 sq ft of paintable wall area
Area
1,200
sq ft
Low Estimate
$2,400
@ $2/sq ft
High Estimate
$7,200
@ $6/sq ft
Based on national average rates of $2–$6/sq ft. Actual costs will vary by location and contractor.
What does painting cost per square foot?
Interior painting averages $2–$4 per sq ft for walls and ceilings. Exterior painting runs $2–$6 per sq ft depending on siding type and the prep work required. High ceilings, detailed trim, and multiple coats all increase the price. Always budget for primer and two finish coats on any quality job. New construction painting is generally cheaper per sq ft than repaints, as surfaces need less preparation. If your walls need patching or new drywall before painting, check our drywall cost per sq ft calculator for a combined estimate.
Cost by project size
| Project size | Low estimate | High estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft (small room / studio) | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| 800 sq ft | $1,600 | $4,800 |
| 1,200 sq ft (average apartment) | $2,400 | $7,200 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $3,000 | $9,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft (full house interior) | $4,000 | $12,000 |
Approximate 2026 US national averages at $2–$6/sq ft installed. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and project complexity.
What affects painting cost per square foot?
Interior vs exterior
Interior painting averages $2–$4/sq ft for walls and ceilings. Exterior painting runs $2–$6/sq ft and is heavily affected by siding type, the amount of prep work required, and height.
Number of coats
A standard 2-coat job (primer + finish) is included in most quotes. Dark colours or drastic colour changes require 3+ coats — adding $0.50–$1/sq ft to the cost.
Surface preparation
Walls with cracks, holes, or peeling paint need patching and sanding before painting. Heavy prep can add $0.50–$2/sq ft and is often underquoted by contractors.
Paint quality
Premium paints (Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams) cost $50–$80/gallon vs $25–$40 for budget options. Higher quality means better coverage, fewer coats, and longer-lasting results.
Ceiling height & access
Standard 8 ft ceilings are straightforward. Rooms with 10–12 ft ceilings or vaulted spaces require ladders and scaffolding — adding 20–30% to the labour cost.
Trim, doors & windows
Baseboards, door frames, crown moulding, and window casings are typically priced separately at $1–$3 per linear foot. More trim means more masking time and detail work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a house per square foot?
Interior painting costs $2–$4 per square foot of paintable wall area. Exterior painting runs $2–$6 per square foot depending on siding type and prep. For a 1,500 sq ft home, expect $3,000–$9,000 for a full interior repaint.
How do painters calculate square footage?
Painters measure the total wall area (length × height for each wall) and subtract large windows and doors. They also add ceilings if included. A 12×12 ft room with 8 ft ceilings has roughly 384 sq ft of paintable wall area.
Is it cheaper to paint yourself or hire a painter?
DIY saves on labour — which is 50–70% of the total cost — but takes significant time and requires equipment like rollers, brushes, drop cloths, and ladders. For a large home, the time investment often makes professional painting worthwhile, especially for exterior work.
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
A gallon of paint covers approximately 350–400 sq ft per coat. For a 1,500 sq ft paintable area with two coats, you need roughly 8 gallons. Always add 10% for touch-ups and waste.
How long does a paint job last?
Interior paint lasts 5–10 years depending on traffic and usage. Bathrooms and kitchens may need repainting every 3–5 years due to moisture. Exterior paint lasts 5–10 years on wood siding and 10–15 years on stucco or brick.