Interior Paint Costs in 2025: Pricing Guide and Coverage Calculator
Interior painting costs $2-$6 per square foot for professional work, or $200-$600 in materials for a DIY room. Learn how to calculate paint needs and budget your project.
Interior Paint Costs in 2025: Pricing Guide and Coverage Calculator
A fresh coat of paint transforms spaces at relatively low cost—but projects often exceed initial budgets due to underestimated material needs, prep work, or quality expectations. Understanding real costs helps you plan accurately whether you're DIYing or hiring professionals.
Current Paint Pricing (2025)
Professional Painting Costs
| Service Level | Cost per Sq Ft | 12×12 Room | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (walls only) | $2–$3 | $500–$750 | Builder-grade paint, minimal prep |
| Standard | $3–$4.50 | $750–$1,125 | Quality paint, proper prep |
| Premium | $4.50–$6 | $1,125–$1,500 | Top-tier paint, extensive prep |
| Specialty finishes | $6–$10+ | $1,500–$2,500+ | Decorative techniques |
Square footage for paint estimates includes wall and ceiling surface area, not floor area.
Paint Material Costs
| Paint Quality | Price per Gallon | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Builder/economy | $20–$35 | 350–400 sq ft |
| Mid-grade | $35–$55 | 350–400 sq ft |
| Premium | $55–$80 | 400–450 sq ft |
| Ultra-premium | $80–$120+ | 400–500 sq ft |
Premium paints often require fewer coats and last longer—total project cost may be similar to cheaper paint with more coats.
Full Project Cost Examples
| Project | DIY Materials | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Single room (12×12) | $150–$300 | $500–$1,200 |
| Master bedroom | $200–$400 | $700–$1,500 |
| Living room | $250–$500 | $900–$2,000 |
| Whole interior (2,000 sq ft) | $1,000–$2,500 | $4,000–$10,000 |
What Affects Paint Costs
Current Wall Condition: Fresh drywall needs primer and two coats minimum. Damaged walls need patching ($50–$200 in materials). Dark-to-light color changes may need 3+ coats or tinted primer.
Ceiling Height: Standard 8-foot ceilings are efficient. Higher ceilings require ladders or scaffolding, more paint, and significantly more time.
Trim and Detail Work: Baseboards, crown molding, doors, and window casings are labor-intensive. Expect trim to add 30–50% to wall-painting costs.
Color Selection: Deep or bright colors require more coats than neutral tones. Some reds and oranges need 4+ coats even with tinted primer.
Quality Expectations: Roller marks, cut-line imperfections, and minor drips are visible at certain angles. Higher expectations require more skilled labor and time.
How to Calculate Paint Needs
Basic Wall Coverage Formula
Perimeter (ft) × Height (ft) = Wall square footage
For a 12×14 room with 8-foot ceilings:
- Perimeter: 12 + 14 + 12 + 14 = 52 feet
- Wall area: 52 × 8 = 416 sq ft
Deduct for Openings
- Standard door: 21 sq ft
- Standard window: 15 sq ft
- Large picture window: 25–35 sq ft
For one door and two windows:
- Deduction: 21 + 15 + 15 = 51 sq ft
- Net wall area: 416 – 51 = 365 sq ft
Calculate Gallons Needed
Square footage ÷ Coverage per gallon × Number of coats = Gallons
For 365 sq ft walls, premium paint (400 sq ft/gal), two coats:
- 365 ÷ 400 × 2 = 1.8 gallons
- Round up to 2 gallons
Add ceiling if painting: 12 × 14 = 168 sq ft (approximately 1 gallon)
Trim Paint
Estimate 1 quart per standard room for baseboards and door/window trim. A gallon covers approximately 100 linear feet of trim.
Paint Selection Guide
By Room Type
Living areas: Eggshell or satin finish—slight sheen hides imperfections while allowing easy cleaning
Bedrooms: Flat or matte finish—hides wall imperfections best, creates restful atmosphere
Kitchens/bathrooms: Satin or semi-gloss—moisture-resistant, easy to clean
Trim and doors: Semi-gloss—durable, easy to clean, traditional appearance
Paint Quality Differences
Economy paints ($20–$35): More coats needed, less durability, fades faster
Mid-grade paints ($35–$55): Good coverage, reasonable durability, wide color selection
Premium paints ($55–$80): Superior coverage, long-lasting, better washability
Ultra-premium ($80+): One-coat coverage claims, lifetime warranties, exceptional durability
DIY vs. Professional Painting
DIY-Friendly
- Single rooms with low ceilings
- Walls only (no trim)
- Similar or lighter color changes
- Walls in good condition
Hire Professionals For
- Whole-house projects
- High ceilings requiring scaffolding
- Extensive prep work (damage repair, wallpaper removal)
- Tight deadlines
- Premium finish quality expectations
DIY savings: 60–70% of professional cost DIY time: 2–3 days for a room (prep, painting, cleanup) Hidden costs: Quality tools ($100–$300), learning curve on first project
Common Painting Mistakes
Skipping primer: On new drywall, patched areas, or dramatic color changes, primer saves money (costs less per gallon than paint) and ensures even results.
Insufficient drying time: Rushing second coats causes peeling and uneven finish. Follow label recommendations—typically 2–4 hours between coats.
Poor quality tools: Cheap rollers leave fibers, bargain brushes lose bristles. Quality tools pay for themselves in better results and longer life.
Ignoring edges: Take time on "cutting in" around trim, ceilings, and corners. This detailed work makes or breaks the final appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does interior paint last? Quality paint in low-traffic areas lasts 5–10 years. Kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways may need repainting every 3–5 years.
Should I prime before painting? Always prime on: new drywall, patched areas, bare wood, stained walls (water/smoke). Optional for: previously painted surfaces in good condition with similar color.
How much does a professional painter cost per hour? Painters charge $25–$50/hour depending on region and skill level. Most jobs are quoted by the project rather than hourly.
Can I paint over wallpaper? Possible but not recommended. Wallpaper seams show through paint, and paint may cause wallpaper to release. Removal is better long-term.
Next Steps
Use our Paint Calculator to estimate gallons needed for your room dimensions and number of coats.
For projects over 1,000 square feet or requiring significant prep work, get quotes from 2–3 professional painters to compare against DIY time and cost.