Planning to paint a 12×14 room but not sure how much paint to buy? You’re not alone. Estimating paint can be tricky, but with a few simple calculations, you can get it right the first time—and save money while you’re at it.
1. Calculate the Wall Area
Use this formula:
Wall Area = (Length + Width) × 2 × Ceiling Height
For a room that’s 12 feet wide and 14 feet long with 8-foot ceilings:
(12 + 14) × 2 × 8 = 416 square feet
2. Subtract Windows and Doors
Each door subtracts about 20 sq ft, and each window subtracts 15 sq ft.
Let’s say 1 door and 2 windows:
416 – 20 – (15 × 2) = 366 sq ft
3. Factor in the Number of Coats
- One coat = 366 sq ft
- Two coats = 732 sq ft
4. How Much Paint Does That Require?
One gallon covers about 350 sq ft per coat.
So:
- 1 gallon = 1 coat (with minimal leftover)
- 2 gallons = 2 full coats
Pro Tip:
Buy an extra quart for touch-ups. It’s better to match paint from the same batch than risk a slightly different color later.
Final Verdict
For a 12×14 room with 8 ft ceilings and two coats, you’ll need:
- 2 gallons of paint
- 1 quart for touch-ups
Use our [Paint Calculator] to make it even easier!