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20x20 Room Paint Calculator

Need to know how much paint to buy for a 20x20-foot room? At 400 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

4

gallons

Low 2.8 gal
Likely 3.2 gal
High 3.6 gal

This range covers 553 square feet with 2 coats. The likely estimate is 2.77 gallons before the selected buffer. If you are buying whole gallons, plan on 4.

View Detailed Breakdown
Wall Area:640 sq ft
Deductions:-87 sq ft

Net Paintable Area:553 sq ft
Base Coverage Rate:400 sq ft/gal
Adjusted Coverage:400 sq ft/gal
With 2 Coats:1106 sq ft needed
+ 15% Waste Buffer:+0.41 gal

Based on a 20x20 ft room with 8-ft ceilings, 2 door(s), and 3 window(s). Paint at 400 sq ft/gallon with a 15% buffer.

See the formula and assumptions

Hiring a painter for this room usually runs $700 to $1,650, 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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Frequently Asked Questions

How much paint do I need for a 20x20 room?

A 20x20 room with 8-foot ceilings has approximately 640 square feet of wall area before deductions. After accounting for two doors and 3 windows, you will typically need about 4 gallons for two coats of standard paint.

How many square feet of wall space does a 20x20 room have?

A 20x20 room with standard 8-foot ceilings has 640 square feet of total wall area. After subtracting for doors and windows (typically 87 sq ft), the net paintable area is about 553 square feet.

How much paint for a 20x20 room?

A 20x20 room with 8-foot ceilings needs about 4 gallons for two coats of standard paint. This is after deducting for two doors and three windows. Consider buying a 5-gallon bucket for better value.

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