Primer Calculator
Enter the area you are priming, the number of primer coats and the coverage printed on the can or data sheet. The default of 350 sq ft per gallon sits inside the published ranges for common primers; use the low end of the range for rough or porous surfaces.
sq ft
sq ft
Primer needed (gallons)
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Gallons to buy
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Or quarts, for a small job
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Total area primed, all coats (sq ft)
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Pricing jobs one at a time gets old fast.
PaintPricing stores your rates, burden and margin once, then applies them to every quote you send.
Try it freeFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a gallon of primer cover?
Each product prints a range on the can and data sheet. KILZ 2 All-Purpose lists 300 to 400 sq ft per gallon, and Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 lists about 350 on porous surfaces and 450 on non porous ones. Rough and porous surfaces land at the low end.
Do I need one coat of primer or two?
One coat is usual over sound, previously painted walls. New drywall, bare wood, stains and big color changes can call for a second coat or a stain blocking primer, so check the directions for the product you are using.
Why work out primer separately from paint?
Primer is bought separately and its coverage is printed on its own can, so it is worth working out on its own rather than as one more coat of finish paint.
How do I measure the area to prime?
Multiply the room perimeter by the wall height, then take off about 20 sq ft for each door and 15 sq ft for each window. Add the ceiling, length times width, if you are priming it too.
Can I spot prime instead of priming everything?
Often, over walls in good condition. Enter only the area of the patches and stains you are priming, and buy by the quart.