Paint coverage / spread rate per gallon by surface
This is our own coverage matrix and the moat behind the site. For every common paint & surface it gives the labeled spread rate (square feet one gallon covers in one coat), so you can turn a measured area into gallons with the identity gallons = ceil(area × coats ÷ coverage). It is a dated snapshot of published manufacturer planning ranges, not a live feed. See how it’s derived in the methodology, and use it with the how-much-paint calculator, the paint-coverage calculator and the primer calculator.
| Paint × surface | Coverage (sq ft/gal) | Gallons for 400 sq ft, 2 coats |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth / previously-painted drywall (latex) | 350–400 | 3 |
| New / primed drywall | 300–350 | 3 |
| Textured or porous interior wall | 250–300 | 3 |
| Smooth wood / trim (enamel) | 350–400 | 3 |
| Bare / rough wood | 200–300 | 4 |
| Exterior lap / vinyl siding (smooth) | 300–400 | 3 |
| Stucco / rough masonry | 150–250 | 4 |
| Brick (unpainted) | 100–200 | 6 |
| Concrete / block | 200–300 | 4 |
| Deck / fence (semi-transparent stain) | 200–300 | 4 |
| Primer (drywall / general) | 200–300 | 4 |
labeled published planning snapshots — one-coat spread rate; confirm the can’s stated spread rate. The gallons column derives from gallons = ceil(area × coats ÷ coverage midpoint) for a 400 sq ft area at 2 coats, as an illustration. Rough, porous and masonry surfaces drink far more paint. Allow extra for texture, porosity, color change and waste. Snapshot: 2026-07-12.