About this example painting estimate
The example prices three rooms: 1,240 sq ft of walls and ceilings, 9 gallons of wall paint for two coats, 3 gallons of ceiling paint, and 6 hours of patching and prep. Trim and doors are an optional section, so the customer can decide on them without a second estimate.
How to estimate a painting job
Measure wall area, not floor area: room perimeter times wall height, minus big openings. One gallon covers about 350–400 sq ft per coat on smooth, primed walls. Most repaints need two coats.
What goes on a painting estimate
- Wall and ceiling paint, in gallons
- Primer, where you're covering stains or a big color change
- Prep: patching, caulking, sanding
- Labor by square foot or by room
- Trim and doors as optional extras
Questions
How much paint for a 12×12 room?
With 8 ft walls that's about 384 sq ft of wall. Two coats need around 2 gallons, before ceilings and trim.
Should I charge by the hour or by the square foot?
Square-foot pricing is easier for customers to compare. Track your hours anyway, so you know your square-foot rate actually pays.