GUIDE深度 · Deep dive
How Much Does a Gallon of Paint Cover?
A gallon of latex paint usually covers about 350 square feet in one coat, but absorption, color, primer and application change that. Measure area, multiply by coats and keep 10 percent extra.
Coverage and coats
Area times coats divided by 350 gives gallons. Dark colors, rough walls and bare drywall reduce coverage.
Primer and patching
Prime new drywall and patched areas first; primer coverage differs from topcoat, so calculate it separately.
Gallons or quarts
Round up to whole gallons and keep 10 percent for touch-ups, especially on colored walls.
FAQ
Can one gallon do two coats?
Only if the area is about 175 square feet; 350 square feet is a common one-coat ceiling.
Do dark colors need more paint?
Usually 10 to 20 percent more, because hiding is lower and an extra coat is common.