Paint Coverage Reference Guide
How many square feet a gallon of paint covers on different surfaces — walls, primer, siding, stucco and brick.
Coverage per gallon depends on the surface. These are practical industry averages — always check the label on your can for the exact figure, because products differ.
Coverage is the number of square feet one gallon covers in a single coat. It is the single most useful number when you plan a paint job, because every calculator on this site divides your wall area by it. A higher coverage number means each gallon stretches further, so a smooth, previously painted wall needs fewer gallons than a rough or bare one.
Several things pull coverage down. Surface porosity is the biggest: new drywall, bare wood and masonry soak up paint, while a sealed wall does not. Application method matters too — spraying wastes more to overspray than rolling, and a thick nap roller lays down more film than a thin one. Color changes cost extra coverage because the first coat mostly hides the old shade rather than building new color, which is why a dark-to-light switch needs an extra coat.
Two coats are the practical standard for an even finish, and most coverage figures on labels assume one coat. If you buy based on a single coat, expect to use about double for two. Always round up to whole gallons and keep the ten percent buffer, because running out mid-wall can leave a visible seam that is hard to blend from a later batch.
| Surface | Coverage per gallon | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth interior wall (latex) | 350-400 sq ft | Two coats are standard. |
| Textured wall (knockdown, orange peel) | 250-300 sq ft | Texture soaks up more paint. |
| New drywall (first coat) | about 280 sq ft | High absorption — prime first. |
| Primer (general) | about 250 sq ft | Seals and evens out the surface. |
| Smooth wood or vinyl siding | 300-350 sq ft | Exterior conditions reduce yield. |
| Stucco | 200-250 sq ft | Very porous surface. |
| Brick or masonry | 150-200 sq ft | Roughest common surface. |
Averages from paint manufacturer labels and contractor guides, reviewed 2026. Always defer to the label on your can.
If your surface is not listed, pick the closest match and lean toward the lower number to be safe. When in doubt, one extra gallon is cheaper than a second trip to the store, and the leftover seals well for future touch-ups.