Paint for a 16 × 20 room
Short answer
A 16 × 20 ft room with an 8-ft ceiling needs about 3 gallons of paint for two coats — that's roughly 525 sq ft of wall after doors and windows.
Paint needed
3 gal
Paint cost
$90–$135
Wall area
576 sq ft
Paintable
525 sq ft
Painting a 16 × 20 room
A 16 × 20 ft room with an 8-ft ceiling has about 576 sq ft of wall. After a door and two windows that is roughly 525 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 16 × 20 room?
About 3 gallons for two coats on the walls of a 16 × 20 ft room with an 8-ft ceiling (roughly 525 sq ft after one door and two windows).
How much does it cost to paint a 16 × 20 room?
Paint alone runs about $90–$135 for a 16 × 20 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.