Painting Cost Calculator
What it is likely to cost to have interior walls painted, based on the paintable area and a per-square-foot rate you can adjust to match local quotes.
Result
| Paintable area | |
| Rate used | |
| Estimated cost |
Units & conversions used
Area in square feet; metric areas are converted at 1 m² = 10.7639 ft². Cost is paintable area (ft²) multiplied by your per-square-foot rate, which is how most painters quote interior work (paint, labor and standard prep baked in).
Formula & source
Source: the $2–$6/ft² default band matches the interior painting range used on our paint calculator page and reflects commonly published 2025–2026 US pricing for interior walls with standard prep and two coats. Ceilings, trim, cabinets, heavy repairs and exterior work price differently. It is a budgeting aid, not a quote — replace the defaults with rates from local painters whenever you have them.
Worked example (you can verify by hand)
Input: 1,200 ft² of paintable interior area, rates $2–$6/ft².
- Low estimate: 1,200 × $2 = $2,400
- High estimate: 1,200 × $6 = $7,200
Expected output: estimated painting cost $2,400–$7,200 for 1,200 ft².
Limitations — what this cannot do
- Painters quote on different bases — wall area, floor area, or per room. Make sure the area you enter matches the basis of the rate you are comparing against.
- Wall repairs, wallpaper removal, lead-safe work, ceilings, trim and cabinet refinishing are usually priced separately and are not in the default rate.
- Paint quality changes both material cost and how many coats are needed; the flat rate cannot see your walls. Get itemized local quotes before budgeting.
FAQ
How much does it cost to paint 1,200 ft² of interior walls?
At the commonly published 2025–2026 interior range of $2–$6/ft², that is $2,400–$7,200. Simple repaint jobs with minimal prep land low; high ceilings, lots of trim and color changes land high. Knowing how many gallons you need helps too — try our paint calculator.
How can I check a painter's quote?
Divide the quote by the area being painted to get their $/ft², then compare it with the range above. Ask what is included: number of coats, prep and patching, ceilings and trim, and who supplies the paint. A quote that looks cheap often assumes one coat and no prep.
What drives painting prices up?
Surface condition is the big one — patching, sanding and stain-blocking add labor. Then come ceiling height, trim and door count, bold color changes (extra coats), and premium paints. Exterior work adds washing, scraping and weather constraints.
How can I save money on a painting job?
Do the prep you can (move furniture, remove switch plates, fill small nail holes), keep one color throughout, and paint in the painter's slow season. Buying the paint yourself only saves money if the painter agrees and you buy the right product — confirm first. If you DIY, our paint calculator tells you how much paint to buy.