When it comes to home improvement, choosing the perfect paint color is only part of the process. Knowing how much paint you need is just as important to avoid waste, unnecessary trips to the store, or running out mid-project. That’s where the Benjamin Moore Paint Calculator comes in.
Benjamin Moore Paint Calculator
🧰 What is the Benjamin Moore Paint Calculator?
The Benjamin Moore Paint Calculator is a simple and effective tool that determines how many gallons (or quarts) of paint you’ll need for your painting project. Based on your room dimensions, wall conditions, and desired number of coats, it provides a precise estimate aligned with Benjamin Moore paint coverage rates.
🛠️ How to Use the Benjamin Moore Paint Calculator
Using this tool is fast, accurate, and beginner-friendly. Follow these steps:
- Enter Room Dimensions
- Measure the length, width, and height of your room or wall.
- For multiple walls, you can input each section separately.
- Choose Surface Type
- Select whether you’re painting walls, ceiling, trim, or exterior surfaces.
- Specify Number of Coats
- Most paint jobs require 2 coats for full coverage.
- Exclude Doors & Windows (Optional)
- Subtract areas not to be painted by entering door and window sizes.
- Click “Calculate”
- Instantly get the number of gallons or quarts of paint you’ll need.
🧮 Paint Coverage Formula
The tool uses the standard Benjamin Moore coverage rate of approximately 350–400 square feet per gallon on smooth, primed surfaces.
Formula:
Paint Needed (gallons) = Total Paintable Area ÷ Coverage per Gallon × Number of Coats
Where:
- Total Paintable Area = Wall Area – (Doors + Windows)
- Coverage per Gallon = 350 to 400 sq ft
- Number of Coats = 1 or 2, typically
🧾 Example Calculation
Room Dimensions:
- Length: 15 ft
- Width: 12 ft
- Height: 9 ft
Wall Area:
2 × (15 × 9) + 2 × (12 × 9) = 2(135) + 2(108) = 486 sq ft
Doors & Windows Area:
1 door (21 sq ft) + 2 windows (30 sq ft) = 51 sq ft
Paintable Area:
486 – 51 = 435 sq ft
Gallons Needed (2 Coats):
435 ÷ 400 × 2 = 2.18 gallons
✅ Result: Round up to 3 gallons of Benjamin Moore paint for this room.
🏡 What Surfaces Can You Use This Calculator For?
- 🧱 Interior walls (bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms)
- 🪟 Ceilings and accent walls
- 🚪 Doors and trims (when calculated separately)
- 🏠 Exterior siding (wood, vinyl, fiber cement)
- 🧩 Multi-room or whole-house projects
✅ Why Use the Benjamin Moore Paint Calculator?
🎯 Accuracy
Avoid overbuying or underestimating—know the exact paint quantity required.
💰 Cost-Efficiency
Paint isn’t cheap. Save money by buying only what you need.
🕒 Time-Saving
Reduce trips to the hardware store by estimating correctly the first time.
🧱 Surface-Specific
It accounts for doors, windows, coats, and surface texture.
🎨 Benjamin Moore Specific
Tailored for Benjamin Moore’s product lines, based on their average paint coverage.
🧠 Tips for Best Results
- Use a tape measure for accurate room dimensions.
- Always round up to the nearest ¼ or ½ gallon to avoid running short.
- For rough or porous surfaces, increase your estimate by 10–15%.
- Always buy a little extra for touch-ups.
📦 Recommended Benjamin Moore Paint Products
Here are some top Benjamin Moore product lines based on your project:
- Interior: Regal® Select, Ben® Interior, Aura®
- Exterior: Aura® Exterior, Ultra Spec® EXT
- Ceiling: Waterborne Ceiling Paint
- Trim/Doors: Advance® Interior High Gloss
Each of these paints may have slightly different coverage, but the calculator provides an accurate general estimate for all.
🧠 20 FAQs – Benjamin Moore Paint Calculator
1. Is this calculator specific to Benjamin Moore paints?
Yes, it’s optimized for Benjamin Moore’s paint coverage standards (approx. 350–400 sq ft per gallon).
2. Can I use this for exterior projects?
Absolutely! Just choose “exterior” in the surface type selection.
3. How accurate is the paint coverage?
Coverage depends on surface type, porosity, and preparation. Always allow a margin of 10%.
4. Do I need to enter window and door sizes?
It’s optional, but subtracting those areas gives a more accurate estimate.
5. How many coats of paint should I use?
Typically two coats are recommended for proper coverage and durability.
6. Can this tool calculate primer needs?
This version focuses on paint, but primer needs are often similar in volume.
7. What if I’m painting over a dark color?
Expect to use more paint—possibly three coats depending on the new color.
8. How do I know how many gallons to buy?
The calculator provides the required quantity. Always round up to the nearest gallon.
9. Can I use this calculator for ceilings?
Yes, just enter the ceiling dimensions and select “ceiling” as your surface.
10. Does paint coverage vary by product?
Yes, but most Benjamin Moore paints cover around 350–400 sq ft/gallon.
11. Can I calculate paint for trims and doors?
Yes, but they usually require less paint. You may need quarts rather than gallons.
12. What if my wall has texture?
Add 10–15% to your estimate for textured walls.
13. Should I include closets in my measurements?
Yes, if you plan to paint them. Measure and add their wall areas.
14. Can I use the calculator on mobile devices?
Yes, it works on all devices including phones and tablets.
15. Is this tool free to use?
Yes, it’s completely free with unlimited usage.
16. What if I’m using multiple colors in a room?
Use the calculator separately for each wall or section with a different color.
17. How much extra should I buy for touch-ups?
Buy an additional ¼ to ½ gallon for later touch-ups.
18. Can I save or print my results?
Yes, many calculators include a print or save feature for convenience.
19. How do I convert square feet to square meters?
1 sq meter ≈ 10.76 sq ft. Some versions may include unit conversions.
20. Do I need to consider paint type (flat, semi-gloss, etc.)?
Not for quantity—finish affects look and durability, not coverage significantly.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Benjamin Moore Paint Calculator takes the guesswork out of planning your painting project. By providing accurate estimates based on your wall dimensions, surface type, and desired number of coats, it helps you save time, money, and frustration.