Exterior Paint Calculator
Calculate exterior house paint coverage, costs, and materials for siding, trim, doors, and windows. Professional estimates for all siding types.
House Measurements
Paint Requirements
Enter your house measurements to calculate paint requirements
Complete Exterior Painting Guide
Exterior Paint Coverage Factors
Exterior paint coverage varies significantly based on surface type, texture, and condition. Our calculator accounts for industry-standard coverage rates:
- • Vinyl Siding: 350-400 sq ft per gallon (smooth surface)
- • Wood Siding: 300-350 sq ft per gallon (grain absorption)
- • Brick: 250-300 sq ft per gallon (porous surface)
- • Stucco: 200-250 sq ft per gallon (textured surface)
- • Fiber Cement: 320-370 sq ft per gallon (moderate absorption)
Cost Estimation Factors
Professional exterior painting costs depend on multiple factors:
- • Surface Preparation: 30-50% of total project cost
- • Paint Quality: $25-80 per gallon range
- • Labor Rates: $40-80 per hour regionally
- • Accessibility: Multi-story adds 20-40% cost
- • Season: Spring/summer premium pricing
Step-by-Step Calculation Process
1. Measure Surfaces
Calculate total wall area by measuring length × width × height. Include all exterior walls, gables, and dormers.
2. Subtract Openings
Deduct doors (20 sq ft each) and windows (15 sq ft average) from total wall area for accurate paintable surface.
3. Apply Coverage Rate
Divide paintable area by surface-specific coverage rate. Add 10% waste factor for professional results.
Common Exterior Painting Scenarios
Ranch House (1,500 sq ft)
Typical ranch: 40×30 ft, 8 ft walls, vinyl siding. Result: ~1,200 paintable sq ft, 3.5 gallons paint, $450-750 material cost.
Two-Story Colonial (2,500 sq ft)
Colonial style: 50×25 ft, 16 ft walls, wood siding. Result: ~2,000 paintable sq ft, 7 gallons paint, $800-1,400 material cost.
Cape Cod (1,800 sq ft)
Cape with dormers: 45×20 ft, mixed heights, cedar shingles. Result: ~1,600 paintable sq ft, 5.5 gallons paint, $650-1,100 material cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need for exterior house?
For an average 1,500 sq ft house, you'll need 3-5 gallons of paint depending on siding type. Vinyl siding requires less paint (3-4 gallons) while stucco needs more (4-6 gallons) due to texture.
What's the cost to paint house exterior?
Professional exterior painting costs $2,500-6,000 for average homes. DIY material costs range $400-1,200. Factors include house size, siding type, paint quality, and regional labor rates.
How do I calculate exterior paint coverage?
Calculate total wall area (length × width × height), subtract doors and windows, then divide by paint coverage rate. Add 10% for waste. Different siding types have different coverage rates.
Do I need primer for exterior painting?
Primer is recommended for bare wood, metal, or when changing colors dramatically. High-quality paint-and-primer combinations work well for previously painted surfaces in good condition.
Best time to paint house exterior?
Late spring through early fall offers ideal conditions. Avoid painting in direct sunlight, high humidity, or temperatures below 50°F or above 85°F for optimal paint adhesion and curing.
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