Build an interior painting budget from measured wall area, coat count, whole-gallon paint purchases, local labor pricing, and a project-specific prep allowance. The result separates paint, labor, and fixed prep or supply costs, making contractor estimates easier to compare on a consistent scope.
The total is a scope-based planning budget. Separating paint, coat-based labor, and prep makes quote comparisons easier.
This estimate excludes taxes, permits, lead or hazardous-material work, repairs, travel, and contingency unless you include them in prep and supplies.
For 400 sq ft, two coats, 350 sq ft per gallon, $48 paint, $1.25 labor per sq ft per coat, and $250 prep, the estimate is $1,394: $144 paint, $1,000 labor, and $250 prep.
Not automatically. Add primer and its application cost to the prep and supplies allowance if the project requires it.
The entered labor rate is defined per square foot per coat, so each additional coat repeats application work.
Yes. The calculator rounds finish paint up to whole gallons before multiplying by the entered gallon price.
Include access equipment, masking, protection, and similar fixed costs in the prep and supplies field.
No. Add those amounts to prep and supplies or apply them separately after reviewing local requirements.
| Component | Basis |
|---|---|
| Finish paint | Whole gallons × entered price |
| Labor | Area × coats × entered rate |
| Prep and supplies | User-entered project allowance |