Paint for a 12 × 16 room
Short answer
A 12 × 16 ft room with an 8-ft ceiling needs about 3 gallons of paint for two coats — that's roughly 397 sq ft of wall after doors and windows.
Paint needed
3 gal
Paint cost
$90–$135
Wall area
448 sq ft
Paintable
397 sq ft
Painting a 12 × 16 room
A 12 × 16 ft room with an 8-ft ceiling has about 448 sq ft of wall. After a door and two windows that is roughly 397 sq ft to cover. At two coats and ~375 sq ft per gallon, plan on about 3 gallons. Bare drywall needs primer on top of that.
Your exact room
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Frequently asked questions
How much paint for a 12 × 16 room?
About 3 gallons for two coats on the walls of a 12 × 16 ft room with an 8-ft ceiling (roughly 397 sq ft after one door and two windows).
How much does it cost to paint a 12 × 16 room?
Paint alone runs about $90–$135 for a 12 × 16 room at two coats. Add primer, supplies, or labor on top.
Do I need one or two coats?
Two coats is standard for even color and coverage, especially over a different color. One coat can work when repainting the same color with premium paint. The calculator lets you switch coats.