1. What is a House Exterior Paint Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the amount of paint needed based on the area to be painted and the paint's coverage rate.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and professional painters determine how much paint is required for exterior painting projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Area to be painted (square feet)
• \( C \) — Paint coverage rate (square feet per gallon)

Explanation: The total area is divided by the paint's coverage rate to determine the number of gallons needed.

3. Importance of Paint Calculation

Details: Accurate paint estimation ensures you purchase the right amount of paint, avoiding waste or multiple trips to the store.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total area to be painted in square feet and the paint's coverage rate (default 350 sq ft/gallon). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure the area to be painted?
A: Calculate the area of each wall (height × width) and sum them up, then subtract areas not being painted (windows, doors).

Q2: What's a typical coverage rate for exterior paint?
A: Most exterior paints cover 250-400 sq ft per gallon, with 350 being a common average.

Q3: Should I account for multiple coats?
A: Yes, multiply the result by the number of coats needed (typically 2 for exterior painting).

Q4: Does this include primer?
A: No, primer calculation would be separate, though some paints include primer.

Q5: How much extra paint should I buy?
A: Consider adding 10% to the calculated volume for touch-ups and project contingencies.