Exterior House Paint Calculator
Exterior paint covers less area per gallon than interior paint because siding surfaces — wood lap, T1-11, fiber cement — have more texture and porosity than smooth drywall. This calculator uses 320 sq ft per gallon for siding (vs. 350–400 for interior walls) and estimates trim paint at 1 gallon per 100 linear feet of trim. Enter house perimeter, average wall height from foundation to eave, number of stories, exterior doors, and windows to get siding gallons, trim gallons, and total material cost. Two coats is standard for any re-paint; new construction or bare wood requires a primer coat plus two finish coats. Always use 100% acrylic latex for exterior applications — it flexes with wood expansion and lasts longer than oil-based exterior paint in most climates.
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Top PickBehr Exterior Paint — Home Depotfrom $38/gal* Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
- 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
- 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
- 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.
Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gallons of paint do I need for a 2,000 sq ft house?
A 2,000 sq ft single-story house with 9-foot walls has roughly 1,440 sq ft of exterior wall area (minus openings). At 320 sq ft per gallon with 2 coats, you need about 9 gallons of siding paint plus 2 gallons of trim paint, totaling 11 gallons.
How long does exterior paint last?
Quality exterior paint lasts 5–10 years depending on climate, surface prep, and paint quality. 100% acrylic latex paints last longer than oil-based paints in most climates. Wood siding typically needs repainting every 5–7 years; stucco and masonry can go 10+ years.
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
Materials for painting a typical 2,000 sq ft house exterior run $200–$400 in paint. Professional painting labor adds $1,500–$4,000 depending on house height, condition, and region. Total professional cost runs $2,000–$5,000 for a standard ranch home.
Should I use a sprayer or brush and roll for exterior painting?
Spraying is faster but requires careful masking and back-rolling for proper adhesion on wood siding. Brush and roll is slower but ensures better penetration into wood grain. Most professional painters spray the main coat and back-roll immediately. DIYers typically get cleaner results with brush and roller for siding and a brush for trim.