Exterior Paint Calculator
Estimate exterior paint for siding, brick, stucco, and wood. Enter wall dimensions and get paint, labor, and cost estimates.
Enter your room details and click Calculate.
How This Paint Calculator Works
Our calculator computes each selected wall area individually (L × H or W × H), subtracts door and window areas, then applies surface and method factors. Divide net area by coverage rate and multiply by coats.
Exterior Paint by Siding Material
Your siding material decides how much paint you need, how often you repaint, and how long the job lasts. Here's the honest breakdown per material.
| Siding Material | Paint Absorption | Repaint Cycle | Typical Pro Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding | Low — smooth, sealed surface | Every 5–10 years | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Wood (clapboard / cedar) | Medium — porous wood soaks paint | Every 3–7 years | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Brick | High — very porous, needs specific masonry paint | Every 8–15 years | $2.50 – $4.50 |
| Stucco | High — textured, drinks paint | Every 5–10 years | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| Fiber cement (HardiePlank) | Low — factory-primed, paint-friendly | Every 10–15 years | $1.80 – $3.50 |
| Aluminum siding | Low — smooth metal, needs bonding primer | Every 10–15 years | $1.50 – $3.00 |
Per-sq-ft costs are pro labor ranges from national 2026 averages; materials are extra. Brick and stucco usually need 15–45% more paint than smooth siding because of texture.
Average Exterior Painting Costs (2026)
Ballpark ranges for common house sizes. Your exact quote depends on siding type, number of stories, and how much prep the old paint needs.
| Project | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft ranch (single story) | $350 – $800 | $1,800 – $3,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft two-story home | $500 – $1,200 | $2,600 – $5,700 |
| 2,500+ sq ft, multiple stories or steep rooflines | $650 – $1,500 | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Just the front of the house (curb appeal) | $150 – $400 | $700 – $1,800 |
| Trim and doors only | $80 – $250 | $400 – $1,200 |
Exterior labor runs $1.50 – $4.00 per square foot, or $20 – $50 per hour. The U.S. BLS median hourly wage for painters is $23.75 (May 2025). [2]
Exterior jobs run higher than interior per sq ft because of weather-resistant paint, power washing, scraping, tall ladders, and usually a two-person crew.
What Changes Your Exterior Paint Quantity the Most
Siding material and texture
Smooth vinyl and fiber cement cover like drywall. Brick and stucco are porous and textured — budget 15–45% more paint, and use a masonry-specific product, not regular wall paint.
Number of stories and access
Two-story homes need more ladder/scaffold time and often a second person for safety. Contractors price steep or high walls at a higher per-sq-ft rate.
Sun exposure and paint fading
South- and west-facing walls fade faster and may need repainting sooner than shaded walls. Plan the same amount of paint, but expect a shorter repaint cycle on sunny sides.
Old paint condition and prep
Peeling, chalking, or cracked paint means scraping, sanding, and power washing before a single coat. Prep can add 20–40% to the total job — both DIY time and pro hours.
Windows, doors, and trim ratio
A house with lots of windows and decorative trim has less wall area but more cutting-in work. Our calculator handles this if you subtract the window and door openings.
How We Calculate Your Exterior Estimate
Exterior wall area (sq ft) ÷ coverage per gallon (sq ft) × number of coats = gallons needed. Exterior coverage is typically 250–350 sq ft per gallon per coat because exterior surfaces are rougher. Paint cost = gallons × price per gallon. Labor estimate = wall area × regional rate per sq ft.
Cost ranges are based on typical 2026 U.S. market rates, cross-checked against HomeGuide exterior data (exterior $1.50 – $4.00 per sq ft; whole-house exterior $2,600 – $5,700) [2] and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (SOC 47-2141, median wage $23.75/hr, May 2025) [1]. Coverage figures follow manufacturer ratings adjusted for exterior surface texture.
Sources & References
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — OEWS, Painters (SOC 47-2141), median wage $23.75/hr (May 2025)
- [2]HomeGuide — Cost to Paint a Room ($300–$1,000; labor $20–$50/hr)
- [3]HomeGuide — Living Room Painting Cost ($1–$3 per sq ft)
Numbers marked [1], [2], [3] in the tables and answers above reference the sources below.
Estimates are planning tools, not quotes. Always get a written estimate from a licensed contractor before committing — and buy a little extra paint so you never run out mid-coat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Painting
How often should you repaint a house exterior?
Every 5–10 years on average. Wood siding needs repainting every 3–7 years, fiber cement every 10–15, and brick and stucco every 8–15 years depending on climate and sun exposure.
How much exterior paint do I need for a 2,000 sq ft home?
Exterior walls of a 2,000 sq ft two-story home run roughly 1,800–2,500 sq ft of paintable area. At 250–350 sq ft per gallon per coat, plan on 10–15 gallons for two coats, plus trim.
What's the difference between exterior and interior paint?
Exterior paint is formulated with more flexible resins and mildewcides to survive weather, temperature swings, and UV. Interior paint isn't designed for those conditions — never use it outside.
Can you paint a house exterior in winter?
Most exterior paints need temperatures above 50°F (10°C) to cure properly. Cool-weather formulas exist, but plan painting between spring and fall in most regions for the longest-lasting job.
Why does exterior painting cost more than interior?
Weather-tolerant paint, power washing, scraping old paint, tall ladders, and usually a two-person crew push exterior per-sq-ft rates to $1.50 – $4.00 — higher than interior's $1 – $3. [2]