How interior painting cost is calculated
Paint cost plus labour. Paint is priced from the gallons your room needs (wall area x coats, divided by coverage) times your price per gallon. Labour is estimated per square foot of floor area — $3 per sq ft is a common starting point, but rates vary widely by region, ceiling height, prep work and finish quality.
Typical ranges: a 12 ft x 12 ft room usually costs $300–$800 professionally painted, depending on location and prep. Always get at least two itemised quotes, and confirm whether primer, ceiling, trim and cleanup are included.
Just need the gallons? Use the paint calculator.