How much paint for a bathroom?
A standard 5 by 8 foot bathroom needs about 0.8 of a gallon of paint for two coats, so 1 gallon is enough. That assumes 8 foot ceilings, one door, a tiled tub surround that is not painted, and a 10 percent waste factor, at 350 square feet per gallon.
Buy a gallon rather than quarts. You would need 4 quarts, which usually cost more than one gallon.
The full arithmetic for a 5x8 bathroom
| Wall perimeter | (5 + 8) × 2 = 26 ft |
| Gross wall area at 8 ft | 26 × 8 = 208 sq ft |
| Subtract 1 door | -20 sq ft |
| Subtract tiled tub surround | -60 sq ft |
| Net wall area | 128 sq ft |
| Two coats | 256 sq ft |
| Plus 10 percent waste | 281.6 sq ft |
| Divided by 350 sq ft per gallon | 0.8 gallons, buy 1 |
The tub surround figure assumes tile to 6 feet on the back wall and both short end walls of a standard 5 foot tub. If your tile goes to the ceiling, or only to 4 feet, measure it and adjust.
Paint by bathroom size
Same assumptions: 8 foot ceilings, two coats, 10 percent waste, 350 square feet per gallon, tiled areas not painted.
| Room size | Openings and tile | Net wall area | One coat | Two coats | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 x 5 ft half bath (no tub) | 1 door | 140 sq ft | 0.44 gal | 0.88 gal | 1 gallon |
| 5 x 8 ft full bath | 1 door, tiled tub surround | 128 sq ft | 0.4 gal | 0.8 gal | 1 gallon |
| 8 x 10 ft bath | 1 door, 1 window, tiled shower | 173 sq ft | 0.54 gal | 1.09 gal | 2 gallons |
| 10 x 12 ft primary bath | door + closet, 1 window, tiled shower and tub | 177 sq ft | 0.56 gal | 1.11 gal | 2 gallons |
Use the right paint
Bathroom walls take steam every day, so the sheen matters more than the amount. Use satin or semi-gloss, and look for a paint labeled mildew resistant or made for kitchens and baths. Flat paint holds moisture and marks easily in a bathroom.
The ceiling takes the most moisture of all. If it is being painted, use a bathroom-rated ceiling paint rather than standard flat ceiling white. A 5 by 8 ceiling is only 40 square feet, so a quart covers one coat with room to spare; buy 2 quarts for two coats.
What would change this estimate
- A vanity, mirror, or cabinets on the walls. Measure each and subtract it. A 5 foot mirror can take 15 square feet off.
- No tile at all. Add the 60 square feet back. A 5 by 8 bath with painted walls all round needs about 1.2 gallons for two coats, so buy 2 gallons, or 1 gallon if one coat will do.
- Glossy existing paint. Scuff and prime it first or the new coat will not bond.
For your exact room, enter the measurements in the paint calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint do I need for a bathroom?
A standard 5 by 8 foot bathroom needs about 0.8 of a gallon for two coats, so 1 gallon is enough. Larger primary bathrooms need about 2 gallons.
Is a quart of paint enough for a bathroom?
For the walls, no. A quart covers about 90 square feet for one coat, and a small bathroom has 120 square feet or more of paintable wall. A quart is enough for a small bathroom ceiling.
Is one gallon of paint enough for a bathroom?
Yes, for most standard and half bathrooms, including two coats. Only larger primary bathrooms with a lot of untiled wall need a second gallon.
What paint finish is best for a bathroom?
Satin or semi-gloss, ideally a paint labeled mildew resistant. Both resist moisture and wipe clean better than flat or eggshell.
Do I need to paint behind the toilet?
Yes, if you can reach it with a small roller or brush. Leaving it unpainted shows if you ever change the toilet. It adds only a few square feet.