Direct answers
Paint coverage by container size
Wall-paint coverage is normally stated per coat. Using 400 square feet per US gallon as an example, the theoretical one-coat areas are:
| Container | One coat | Two coats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 US quart | 100 sq ft | 50 sq ft |
| 1 US gallon | 400 sq ft | 200 sq ft |
| 5 US gallons | 2,000 sq ft | 1,000 sq ft |
| 1 litre | 105.7 sq ft / 9.8 m² | 52.8 sq ft / 4.9 m² |
These are mathematical conversions, not promises for every coating. For example, Benjamin Moore currently publishes 400 to 450 square feet per gallon for one Regal Select interior product, while Sherwin-Williams describes 350 to 400 square feet as a typical gallon range. Primer, masonry coating, oil paint, gloss paint, exterior paint, and other formulations can publish different rates.
The formula
Practical project area = containers × container volume × label coverage ÷ coats ÷ (1 + contingency)
For aerosol paint, replace container volume times gallon coverage with the label coverage per spray can. Use the calculator above so quart, gallon, litre, and metric area conversions stay consistent.
Why real coverage can be lower
- Rough, porous, bare, or repaired surfaces absorb more coating.
- Large colour changes and some deep colours need another coat.
- Spray application loses material beyond the target through overspray.
- Roller nap, brush loading, film thickness, and technique change spread rate.
- Small containers can leave proportionally more material in trays, hoses, or cans.
Frequently asked questions
How much does one gallon of paint cover?
A common planning value is 350 to 400 square feet for one coat, but the product label is authoritative. Some products publish a different spread rate.
How much does a five-gallon bucket of paint cover?
At 400 square feet per gallon, five gallons has a theoretical one-coat area of 2,000 square feet. Two coats reduce that to 1,000 square feet before contingency.
How much does one quart of paint cover?
One US quart is one quarter of a US gallon. At 400 square feet per gallon, one quart has a theoretical one-coat area of 100 square feet.
How much does one litre of paint cover?
At 400 square feet per US gallon, one litre has a theoretical one-coat area of about 105.7 square feet or 9.8 square metres.
How much does one can of spray paint cover?
Spray-can coverage varies widely by product, colour, surface, and application. Enter the area printed on the can, then account for every coat and overspray contingency.
Sources and further reading
Related guides
How much paint does a gallon cover?
Compare gallon, five-gallon, quart, and litre paint coverage, then adjust label area for coats, porosity, and waste.
How much does a can of spray paint cover?
Estimate spray-paint cans from label coverage, coats, object geometry, surface texture, and overspray loss.
How to measure a room for paint
Measure wall perimeter, height, ceilings, doors, and windows for a paint estimate you can audit.