How to estimate paint for your trim and baseboards
Trim uses far less paint than walls, but it is often underestimated across a whole house. Because trim runs along the perimeter, this calculator uses your room dimensions to approximate the linear run. Leave the wall height as-is for a standard estimate and read the exact-gallons figure.
A quart often covers a room worth of baseboards and casings, and a gallon of trim paint handles several rooms. Use a durable semi-gloss or satin enamel so the trim wipes clean and resists scuffs.
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 trim and baseboards. Change it under
Advanced if your surface is rougher or more porous than average.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint do I need for trim?
Trim is a fraction of wall area, so most single rooms need only a quart for two coats. A gallon of trim enamel typically covers the baseboards and casings of several rooms.
What sheen is best for trim?
Semi-gloss or satin enamel is standard for trim and baseboards. The harder finish stands up to knocks and cleans easily, and the slight sheen sets the trim off from flatter walls.
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.