How Much Paint for a 10×10 Room?
A 10×10 foot room has 320 sq ft of wall area. Subtract 1 door and 2 windows and you get 270 sq ft to paint — that's 0.8 gallons for 1 coat or 1.6 gallons for 2 coats of wall paint.
Reviewed by licensed contractors
Our editorial team researches and fact-checks material calculations with input from licensed contractors, landscape designers, and certified tradespeople across the US.
Paint Calculator — enter exact room dimensions, doors, and windows for a precise gallon count
Enter your exact dimensions for a personalized estimate →
Assumptions: 8 ft ceiling · 1 door (20 sq ft) · 2 windows (15 sq ft each) · 350 sq ft per gallon
Answer at a glance — 10×10 ft room
| What you're painting | Gallons needed |
|---|---|
| 1 coat, walls only | 0.8 gal |
| 2 coats, walls only | 1.6 gal |
| 1 coat, walls + ceiling | 1.1 gal |
| 2 coats, walls + ceiling | 2.2 gal |
How we calculated it
- Wall area = 2 × (10 + 10) × 8 ft = 320 sq ft
- Deductions = 1 door (20 sq ft) + 2 windows (30 sq ft) = 50 sq ft
- Net wall area = 320 − 50 = 270 sq ft
- Gallons per coat = 270 ÷ 350 = 0.8 gal
- Two coats = 1.6 gal
Ceiling: 10 × 10 = 100 sq ft → 0.3 gal per coat
Adjust for your room
- More or larger windows — each 15 sq ft window saves ~0.04 gallons per coat
- 9 ft ceilings — adds 40 sq ft more wall area (0.2 gal per coat extra)
- No door — add back 20 sq ft per missing door
- Dark color over light — may need a 3rd coat; buy extra accordingly
The Paint Calculator lets you enter your exact window count, ceiling height, and number of coats.
Paint buying tips
- Buy all cans in one trip — batch numbers affect color consistency
- Keep a quart of the same color for future touch-ups
- Use a separate primer coat if painting over dark colors or new drywall
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gallons of paint for a 10x10 room?
A 10×10 ft room has 320 sq ft of wall area. Subtract 1 door and 2 windows (50 sq ft) = 270 sq ft. That's 0.8 gallons for 1 coat or 1.6 gallons for 2 coats.
Do I need to paint the ceiling in a 10x10 room?
The ceiling in a 10×10 room is 100 sq ft — 0.3 gallons per coat of ceiling paint. Ceiling paint is typically white and sold separately from wall paint.
How long will it take to paint a 10x10 room?
Most DIYers can paint a 10×10 room in 4–8 hours for 2 coats including prep, drying time, and cleanup. Professionals cost $200–$500 for a room this size.
What paint sheen for a 10x10 room?
Bedrooms: eggshell or satin. Living rooms: eggshell. Bathrooms and kitchens: satin or semi-gloss. Trim and doors: semi-gloss or gloss.
Get a free local quote
Know your material quantities? Get a free quote from a local contractor for your project.
✅ Sent! We'll be in touch soon.
No spam · We connect you with 1–3 local pros