Paint for a 10 × 14 ft room
This is a bedroom with room for a desk. With 8 ft ceilings the four walls have 384 ft² of surface, and after deducting one door (21 ft²) and two windows (30 ft²) there are 333 ft² to paint. The ceiling is 140 ft².
How the number of coats changes it
| Coats | Wall gallons | Buy for walls | Ceiling gallons | Buy for ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 coat | 0.95 | 1 gallon | 0.40 | 2 quarts |
| 2 coats | 1.90 | 2 gallons | 0.80 | 1 gallon |
| 3 coats | 2.85 | 3 gallons | 1.20 | 1 gallon + 1 quart |
If your ceilings are taller
| Ceiling height | Wall area | Gallons (2 coats) | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft ceilings | 384 ft² | 1.90 | 2 gallons |
| 9 ft ceilings | 432 ft² | 2.18 | 2 gallons + 1 quart |
| 10 ft ceilings | 480 ft² | 2.45 | 2 gallons + 2 quarts |
If your walls are rough or your paint covers less
The label on your can gives its coverage. Rough or textured walls and dark colors cover less, so the amounts go up:
| Coverage | Gallons (2 coats) | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 250 ft² per gallon | 2.66 | 2 gallons + 3 quarts |
| 300 ft² per gallon | 2.22 | 2 gallons + 1 quart |
| 350 ft² per gallon | 1.90 | 2 gallons |
| 400 ft² per gallon | 1.67 | 1 gallon + 3 quarts |
Trim, tape and prep
The room is 48 ft around. Taping both the ceiling line and the baseboard is 96 ft of painter's tape, which is 1 roll of 60 yard tape. A quart of trim paint usually covers the baseboards and window and door casings for a room this size, and a gallon of primer is worth having for stains and patches.
Paint one wall at a time from the ceiling down, "cut in" the edges with a brush before rolling, and keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Let the first coat dry fully before the second, as the can directs.
A 10 × 14 room: two long walls to keep wet
A 10 × 14 ft room has 333 sq ft of wall after deductions and a 140 sq ft ceiling. The walls need 1.90 gallons for two coats, so the purchase is 2 gallons, and the ceiling needs 0.80 gallons.
The 14 ft walls are long enough that the paint at one end starts to dry before you reach the other. Work one section at a time, a few roller widths across and from ceiling to baseboard, and overlap each into the last while it is still wet, or the join shows as a dull band. When the wall total sits just under a whole number of gallons like this one, a textured wall or a thirsty first coat can tip it over, so keep any unopened paint until the last coat is on before you return it.
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Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How many gallons of paint do I need for a 10x14 room?
With 8 ft ceilings, one door, two windows and two coats at 350 ft² per gallon, the walls need 1.90 gallons, so buy 2 gallons. If you also paint the ceiling, add 0.80 gallons (1 gallon).
How much paint for the walls and ceiling of a 10x14 room?
Walls and ceiling together need about 2.70 gallons for two coats. That is 2 gallons + 3 quarts if you use the same paint on both, though ceilings are usually painted with a separate flat ceiling paint.
How much primer do I need for a 10x14 room?
One coat of primer over the same walls is about 0.95 gallons (1 gallon). Primer often covers a little less than paint on bare surfaces, so check the can.
Related sizes and guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.