Painting Cost Calculator
Calculate interior or exterior painting costs from area, paint quality, and labor rate. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed by Abdullah, Technical Content Specialist
Formula
Total Cost = (Paint + Supplies + Prep Materials) x Type Multiplier + (Labor Hours x Rate)
Painting costs include material costs (paint at coverage of 350-400 sqft/gallon per coat, supplies at $0.15/sqft, and prep materials) multiplied by a type factor (1.4x for exterior), plus labor costs calculated from estimated hours at the given rate. Exterior projects take approximately 40% longer due to prep and safety requirements.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Interior Living Room Painting
Problem:Paint 1,500 sq ft of interior walls with mid-grade paint, 2 coats, moderate prep, at $35/hr labor rate.
Solution:Paint needed: 1,500 / 350 = ~5 gallons per coat x 2 = 10 gallons\nPaint cost: 10 x $45 = $450\nSupplies: $225 | Prep materials: $375\nTotal materials: $1,050\nLabor hours: ~30 hours\nLabor cost: 30 x $35 = $1,050\nTotal: $2,100
Result:Total Cost: ~$2,100 | 10 gallons | $1.40/sqft | ~4 days
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a house interior?
Interior painting typically costs $1.50-$4.00 per square foot of wall area, including labor and materials. For an average 2,000 sq ft home with approximately 5,000 sq ft of wall area, expect to pay $7,500-$20,000 for professional painting. DIY painting reduces costs to $0.50-$1.50 per square foot (materials only). Costs vary based on paint quality, number of coats, prep work needed, ceiling height, and trim complexity. Most professional painters charge $25-$50 per hour or quote per room.
Is exterior painting more expensive than interior?
Yes, exterior painting typically costs 30-50% more than interior painting due to: higher-grade weather-resistant paint ($40-$80/gallon vs $25-$70), more extensive surface preparation (scraping, power washing, caulking), safety equipment for heights, weather-dependent scheduling, and primer requirements. Exterior paint must withstand UV, rain, temperature extremes, and mildew. Professional exterior painting runs $2.50-$6.00 per square foot including prep, while interior runs $1.50-$4.00.
References
Reviewed by Abdullah, Technical Content Specialist · Editorial policy