HomeCostGuide

Interior calculator

Paint Cost Calculator

Estimate interior painting costs by wall area, coats, paint quality, and prep level.

Project details

Estimated range

$2,800 - $7,200

estimated painting cost using national average pricing.

Enter a ZIP code to adjust this estimate for broad regional cost differences.

How we calculate this

  • A valid 5-digit ZIP code applies a broad regional cost multiplier to the national average estimate.
  • The estimate uses a national average cost per painted square foot.
  • Coat count and paint quality adjust the price range.
  • Room count adds a small allowance for setup, trim work, and masking.

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Paint cost guide

Interior painting cost factors

Painting cost is affected by wall area, ceiling height, trim detail, repair work, number of coats, and paint quality. Rooms with heavy furniture, patching, or dark-to-light color changes usually cost more.

DIY vs hiring a painter

DIY painting can reduce labor cost, but professional painters are faster and often produce cleaner edges and finishes. The best choice depends on project size, time, and tolerance for prep work.

How much paint to buy

A gallon of paint often covers about 350 to 400 square feet per coat. Porous surfaces, dramatic color changes, and textured walls may need additional paint.

Frequently asked questions

How much does interior painting cost?

Interior painting commonly ranges from about $1.50 to $4.00 per painted square foot, depending on prep, coats, and paint quality.

Does the calculator include ceilings?

Use the wall area field for the surfaces you plan to paint. Add ceiling square footage if ceilings are part of the project.

How many coats of paint do I need?

Two coats are typical for most repainting projects, though one coat may work for similar colors and three may be needed for major color changes.

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