16x16 Room Paint Calculator
Need to know how much paint to buy for a 16x16-foot room? At 256 square feet of floor area, this is a large-sized room. Our pre-calculated estimates below show exactly how many gallons you need for two coats of standard paint, with deductions for two doors and 3 windows.
Pre-Calculated Paint Estimate
3
gallons
This range covers 425 square feet with 2 coats. The likely estimate is 2.13 gallons before the selected buffer. If you are buying whole gallons, plan on 3.
View Detailed Breakdown
Based on a 16x16 ft room with 8-ft ceilings, 2 door(s), and 3 window(s). Paint at 400 sq ft/gallon with a 15% buffer.
Your paint run
16x16 ft room, 2 coats
Supplies for this room
- Interior wall paint You need about 3 gallon(s) of wall paint. Browse paint
- 9-inch roller kit with tray A 9-inch roller kit with a tray covers walls quickly. View roller kits
- Painter's tape Tape off trim and ceilings for sharp edges. View tape
- Canvas drop cloth Cover floors before the first can opens. View drop cloths
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Hiring a painter for this room usually runs $550 to $1,300, paint included. Prices vary with where you live and the condition of the walls. See how painters price a room.
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Flat or eggshell finish recommended for bedrooms. Low-VOC paint is ideal for better air quality.
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Tips for This Room
- A 16x16 room (256 sq ft) benefits from buying a 5-gallon bucket for consistent color and better value.
- 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.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Everything you need to get professional results.
Paint supplies kit
Rollers, brushes, tape, and drop cloths in one box.
Shop suppliesInterior wall paint
Top-rated interior paint for walls.
Browse paintAirless paint sprayer
Saves hours on big rooms and whole-house jobs.
View sprayersProduct links go to Amazon.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need for a 16x16 room?
A 16x16 room with 8-foot ceilings has approximately 512 square feet of wall area before deductions. After accounting for two doors and 3 windows, you will typically need about 3 gallons for two coats of standard paint.
How many square feet of wall space does a 16x16 room have?
A 16x16 room with standard 8-foot ceilings has 512 square feet of total wall area. After subtracting for doors and windows (typically 87 sq ft), the net paintable area is about 425 square feet.
How much paint for a 16x16 room ceiling?
A 16x16 ceiling is 256 square feet. You will need about 1-2 gallons of ceiling paint for two coats. Ceiling paint is thicker than wall paint and formulated to minimize drips overhead.
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