Paint coverage by surface type
Coverage falls as a surface gets rougher or more absorbent. A gallon that covers 400 square feet of smooth primed drywall may only reach 150 square feet on bare brick, because texture adds hidden surface area and porous materials absorb the first coat instead of holding it on top.
Use the chart below to pick a coverage rate, then divide your area by it.
Coverage chart by surface
Typical planning ranges for one coat from one US gallon. Always check your own can, since these vary by brand and product line.
| Surface | Sq ft per gallon, one coat | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth primed drywall | 350 to 400 | The best case, and the figure printed on most cans |
| Light texture, orange peel | 300 to 350 | The most common finish in newer homes |
| Heavy texture, knockdown | 250 to 300 | Roller needs a thicker nap, which lays down more paint |
| Bare or new drywall, unprimed | 200 to 250 | Prime it instead. Primer is cheaper than topcoat |
| Smooth wood and trim | 350 to 400 | Brushing trim is economical, though slow |
| Bare or rough sawn wood | 150 to 250 | End grain and saw marks absorb heavily |
| Smooth exterior siding | 300 to 350 | Weathered siding sits at the low end |
| Stucco or masonry | 150 to 250 | Depends entirely on how deep the texture runs |
| Bare brick or block | 100 to 200 | Mortar joints and pores swallow the first coat |
How to use the chart
Take your net area, multiply by coats, add waste, and divide by the rate from the table rather than the number on the can.
Example: 600 square feet of knockdown texture, two coats, 10 percent waste. That is 600 × 2 × 1.1 = 1,320 square feet of coverage needed. At 275 square feet per gallon for heavy texture, that is 4.8 gallons, so buy 5. Using the can's 400 figure instead would have told you 3.3 gallons, and you would have run out most of the way through the second coat.
The paint calculator does this arithmetic for you, including the door and window subtraction.
Prime instead of adding coats
On any bare, porous, or patched surface, a coat of primer is almost always cheaper than the extra topcoat you would otherwise need. Primer is formulated to seal the surface so your finish paint sits on top of it and reaches its rated coverage, and it usually costs less per gallon than a quality finish paint. Two coats of expensive topcoat on bare drywall is the most common way to overspend on a paint job.
Frequently asked questions
How much less paint does textured wall coverage give you?
Expect 15 to 30 percent less than a smooth wall. Light orange peel costs you about 15 percent, while heavy knockdown or popcorn can cost 30 percent or more, because the texture adds real surface area that a flat measurement does not capture.
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover on bare drywall?
About 200 to 250 square feet, well below the 350 to 400 on the can, because unprimed drywall paper and joint compound absorb the first coat unevenly. Priming first is both cheaper and gives a more even finish.
How much paint does brick need per gallon?
Roughly 100 to 200 square feet per coat, the lowest of any common surface. Mortar joints and the pores in the brick face absorb a great deal, so a masonry primer or filler coat is usually worth it before the finish coats.
Does paint sheen change coverage?
Only slightly. Higher sheen paints such as semi-gloss and gloss tend to be marginally thinner and can spread a little further, but the difference is small next to the effect of surface texture and porosity. Choose sheen for durability and washability, not for coverage.
Should I use a different coverage rate for ceilings?
Use the same rate as the wall surface if the ceiling is smooth and primed. Popcorn or heavily textured ceilings behave like heavy texture, so plan on 250 to 300 square feet per gallon and expect the first coat to be thirstier than the second.