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`CP = f( L * W ) `
Enter a value for all fields
The Ceiling Paint calculator computes the number of gallons of paint and primer needed to cover a ceiling (light grey in diagram) of a rectangular room based on the length and width of the room. 
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (L) Length of Room
- (W) Width of Room
- (PC) Coverage per Gallon (area covered by one gallon: default 400ft2)
- (CT) Coats of Paint
Ceiling Paint (CP): The calculator computes the number of gallons or quarts of paint or primer needed for the ceiling. Note, gallons and quarts can be automatically converted into other volume units via the pull-down menu.
The Math / Science
The surface area of a ceiling (light blue in diagram) is based on the length and width of the room. The mean square feet for a gallon of quality paint is 400 ft2 . Primer covers 200 ft2. Note: many paints no longer require primer. The gallons of paint and primer are the total surface area divide by the square feet per gallon.
Paint Pricing Survey Data
Always use use local pricing for paint or primer since prices and availability will vary. However, the following prices are recent U.S. dollar costs for one gallon of paint or primer in the United States:
- Paint Pricing Survey date: 1/30/25
- Paint Price Survey Source (online): Menards
- Price of premium (high quality) paint: $118.0 USD
- Price of medium grade paint: $50.98 USD
- Price of economy paint: $15.99 USD
- Price of primer: $14.98 USD
Paint Calculators
- Paint for a Room: Computes the number of gallons of paint or primer
needed to paint an entire room, the four walls and ceiling and also for just the walls. - Room Paint Cost: Estimates the cost of paint or primer needed to cover a rectangular room (blue in diagram) based on the length, width and height of the room.
- Paint for a Wall: Computes the number of gallons of paint or primer needed to paint a wall or any rectangular area (wall or ceiling).
- Cost to Paint a Wall: Estimates the cost of paint or primer needed to cover a wall or other area defined by a length and a height or width.
- Ceiling Paint Cost: Estimates the cost of paint or primer needed to cover a ceiling of a rectangular room based on the length and width of the room.
- Exterior Paint for a House: Computes the number of gallons of exterior paint for a gabled building like a common house based on the dimensions, number of large and small windows, number of doors and the number of coats of paint
- Wood Stain Calculator: Computes the amount of wood stain to finish wood surfaces based on a length, width and the stain product coverage defined by a container size and coverage per container.
- Deck Stain and Sealer: Computes the number of quarts of stain and sealer needed for a deck based on the size and whether rough or smooth.
- Paint for Pipes: Computes the amount of paint needed to cover the exterior surface area of one or more pipes based on the pipe diameter, length, number of coats, number of pipes and the recommended area coverage of the paint.
- Paint for Corrugated Surfaces: Computes the amount of paint needed for a corrugated surface based on the dimensions of the corrugated surface area (length and width), a corrugation factor, coverage per gallon of paint used and the number of coats of paint.
- Paint Pricing Survey: Dataset containing a history of periodic pricing for paint products including primer and three price points (economy, medium and premium) paint. Data comes from nationally advertised prices on the website of national retailers.
Room Calculators
- Volume of a Room: Computes the cubic feet (volume) of a room based on its height, length and width.
- Areas of a Room: Computes the total square feet (area) of a room based on its height, length and width. This includes the total area of the ceiling and walls for things like paint. It also individually includes the area of the ceiling, walls and floor of a room.
- Room Paint Cost: Estimates the gallons of paint needed and associated cost to paint a room based on the room dimensions, number of coats and the unit cost of paint per gallon.
- Wallpaper for a Room: Computes the number of rolls of wallpaper needed to cover the walls of a room based on the dimensions of the room and the rolls of wallpaper.
- BTUs per Hour to Heat a Room: Computes the energy (heat) required to heat a space of a certain volume by a specified temperature variance.
- Insulation Rolls for Walls of a Room:
Computes the number of rolls or batts of insulation needed for the WALLS of a room based on the length and height of the four walls. The calculator assumes standard 16" spacing on the studs. - Drywall Materials for a Room: Computes the number of drywall boards (4x8 or 4x12), number of drywall nails or screws and gallons of joint compound need for a room based on the room's dimensions.
- Ceiling Tiles for a Room: Computes the number of ceiling tiles needed to cover the ceiling of a room based on the dimensions of the room and the tiles.
- Cost of Flooring a Room: Computes the square feet of a room and then applies the price per square feet of different flooring products (e.g., hardwood, carpeting, tile)
- Room Framing Cost: Computes the number of studs and plate boards for a room and estimates the cost of framing based on the unit price of the lumber.
- Outlets and Wiring for Room: Computes the number of outlets (boxes) and length of wire to connect them in a room based on the room dimensions and the outlet spacing.
- Total Surface Area of a Room: Computes the surface area of the interior of a rectangular room including the walls, ceiling and floor based on the length, width and height of the room.