How Much Paint for a 12x12 Room?

Quick Answer: 1-2 Gallons

A standard 12x12 room with 8-foot ceilings typically needs 1.5 gallons for 2 coats (walls only)

Exact Calculation for 12x12 Room

Wall Area384 sq ft
Coverage per Gallon350-400 sq ft
Gallons for 1 Coat~1 gallon
Gallons for 2 Coats1.5-2 gallons

How We Calculate This

  1. Measure all four walls: (12+12+12+12) × 8 = 384 sq ft
  2. Subtract doors and windows: ~30 sq ft = 354 sq ft
  3. Divide by coverage rate: 354 ÷ 350 = 1.01 gallons per coat
  4. Multiply by coats needed: 1.01 × 2 = 2.02 gallons total

Pro tip: Always buy an extra quart for touch-ups

What Changes This Amount?

  • •Ceiling height: 9-10 ft ceilings need 2-2.5 gallons
  • •Paint type: Flat paint covers more than high-gloss
  • •Wall texture: Rough walls absorb 20% more paint
  • •Color change: Dark to light needs 3 coats (3 gallons)

Get Your Exact Amount

Every room is different. Use our free calculator to get a precise estimate for YOUR 12x12 room

Related Resources

→ Learn the paint calculation formula→ View complete coverage rate table→ Common paint calculation questions→ Compare different room sizes

Common Questions

Do I need to paint the ceiling too?

A 12x12 ceiling adds 144 sq ft, requiring an additional 0.5 gallons per coat (1 gallon total for 2 coats)

Should I buy 1 gallon or 2 gallons?

Buy 2 gallons if doing 2 coats on walls. It's better to have extra than run out mid-project.

What if my room has different dimensions?

Use our quick calculator to enter your exact measurements.