How to estimate paint for your bathroom
Bathrooms are small, so they are almost always a one-gallon job, but tiled walls, the vanity, and the tub surround reduce the paintable area. Enter the room size and skip the door and window, then trim a little more if a wall is mostly tile.
Use a moisture-resistant bathroom or kitchen-and-bath paint here. Coverage is similar to standard interior paint at about 350 square feet per gallon, so the default works well.
Coverage cheat sheet
| Surface / situation | Approx. coverage per gallon |
|---|
| Smooth, previously painted surface | 350 to 400 sq ft |
| New or bare wood / drywall (thirsty) | 250 to 350 sq ft |
| Textured, rough, or weathered | 200 to 300 sq ft |
| Primer | 200 to 300 sq ft |
This tool defaults to 350 sq ft per gallon for a bathroom. Change it under
Advanced if your surface is rougher or more porous than average.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint for a small bathroom?
A typical 5 by 8 bathroom needs well under a gallon for two coats once you subtract the door, window, and tiled areas. Buy one gallon and you will have plenty for touch-ups.
What kind of paint should I use in a bathroom?
Use a satin or semi-gloss moisture- and mildew-resistant paint. The finish wipes clean and stands up to humidity better than a flat interior paint.
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
One gallon of interior wall paint typically covers 350 to 400 square feet in a single coat. Textured, porous, or dark-to-light surfaces cover less, so this calculator uses a conservative default to keep you from coming up short.
Should I buy extra paint?
Yes. Keep a little for touch-ups. Rounding up to full gallons usually gives you enough of a cushion; for large jobs, add roughly 10 percent so you have a color-matched can on the shelf later.