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12x12 Room Paint Calculator

Need to know how much paint to buy for a 12x12-foot room? At 144 square feet of floor area, this is a medium-sized room. Our pre-calculated estimates below show exactly how many gallons you need for two coats of standard paint, with deductions for one door and 2 windows.

Pre-Calculated Paint Estimate

Low

1.7

gal

Likely

1.9

gal

High

2.2

gal

This range covers 333 square feet with 2 coats. The likely estimate is 1.67 gallons before the selected buffer. If you are buying whole gallons, plan on 2.

Flat or eggshell finish recommended for bedrooms. Low-VOC paint is ideal for better air quality.

View Detailed Breakdown
Wall Area: 384 sq ft
Deductions: -51 sq ft

Net Paintable Area: 333 sq ft
Base Coverage Rate: 400 sq ft/gal
Adjusted Coverage: 400 sq ft/gal
With 2 Coats: 666 sq ft needed
+ 15% Waste Buffer: +0.25 gal

Based on a 12x12 ft room with 8-ft ceilings, 1 door(s), and 2 window(s). Paint at 400 sq ft/gallon with a 15% buffer.

See the formula and assumptions

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Tips for This Room

  • A 12x12 room (144 sq ft) is efficiently covered with standard 1-gallon cans.
  • Always buy slightly more paint than calculated - extra paint is useful for future touch-ups.
  • Two coats are recommended for even color coverage and better durability.
  • Test your color on a 2-foot square section of wall before committing to the entire room.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much paint do I need for a 12x12 room?

A 12x12 room with 8-foot ceilings has approximately 384 square feet of wall area before deductions. After accounting for one door and 2 windows, you will typically need about 2 gallons for two coats of standard paint.

How many square feet of wall space does a 12x12 room have?

A 12x12 room with standard 8-foot ceilings has 384 square feet of total wall area. After subtracting for doors and windows (typically 51 sq ft), the net paintable area is about 333 square feet.

How much paint for a 12x12 room with 2 coats?

A 12x12 room with 8-foot ceilings needs about 2 gallons of paint for two coats. This accounts for standard deductions (one door and two windows). The total paintable wall area is approximately 333 square feet.

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