How much paint do I need for a ceiling?
A flat ceiling is length × width. A 12 × 12 ft ceiling is 144 sq ft, so two coats at 350 sq ft per gallon with 10% extra come to 0.91 gallons: buy 1 gallon.
Worked example: a 12 × 12 ft ceiling
- Ceiling area: 12 × 12 = 144 sq ft.
- Multiply by coats: 144 × 2 = 288 sq ft to cover.
- Divide by coverage and add 10%: 288 ÷ 350 × 1.10 = 0.91 gallons.
- Round to cans: buy 1 gallon.
Ceiling paint needed by room size
Two coats at 350 sq ft per gallon with 10% extra for touch-ups.
| Room | Ceiling area | Gallons needed | What to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 0.63 | 1 gallon |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 sq ft | 0.91 | 1 gallon |
| 12 × 14 ft | 168 sq ft | 1.06 | 1 gallon + 1 quart |
| 14 × 16 ft | 224 sq ft | 1.41 | 1 gallon + 2 quarts |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 sq ft | 2.01 | 2 gallons + 1 quart |
| 20 × 20 ft | 400 sq ft | 2.51 | 3 gallons |
How the calculator works
Ceiling area = length × width
Gallons = ceiling area × coats ÷ coverage × (1 + extra %)
Sherwin-Williams puts a typical gallon of paint at about 350 to 400 sq ft. Textured and popcorn ceilings have more surface and soak up more paint, so lower the coverage for them.
For a vaulted or sloped ceiling, multiply the floor area by the pitch factor from the roof pitch calculator, or measure each sloped plane and add them together.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint do I need for a 12 × 12 ceiling?
About 0.91 gallons for two coats at 350 sq ft per gallon with 10% extra, so buy 1 gallon.
How many coats does a ceiling need?
Two coats is the usual choice for even color, especially over a patched or stained ceiling. A fresh coat in the same color may cover in one.
Does a textured ceiling need more paint?
Yes. Texture adds surface area and porous popcorn ceilings absorb paint, so coverage can drop to about 250 to 300 sq ft per gallon.
Should I use the same paint for walls and ceiling?
You can, but flat ceiling paint is common because it hides imperfections and reduces glare. Enter the coverage from whichever paint you choose.
Sources
- Sherwin-Williams, How to Use Paint Calculator
- Bob Vila, How Much Paint Do I Need?