Painting Cost Calculator 2026
Real prices for Behr, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore in 2026, plus contractor labor rates. DIY or pro — the math is honest both ways.
DIY Painting Cost Calculator
How much will paint, supplies and (if needed) a pro cost for your room? Real 2026 paint prices and contractor labor rates — no marketing fluff.
Get the supplies
Save time and money by buying paint and supplies in one trip. We've curated bundles for each project size — small bedroom, living room, whole home.
The actual paint math
A gallon of paint covers 350–400 square feet. Two coats are nearly always required (one coat looks washed-out and unprofessional). For a typical 12×12 bedroom:
- Walls: 4 × 12 × 8 = 384 sqft
- Two coats: 768 sqft of coverage needed
- Paint required: 2 gallons mid-range or 3 gallons budget (lower coverage)
- Paint cost: $50–110 mid; $50–80 budget
- Supplies (rollers, brushes, tape, drop cloth): $40–60
- Total DIY: $100–170
A professional painting service for the same room: $1,000–$1,750. The labor markup is 5–10× the materials cost, but you get the room done in one afternoon with a flawless finish.
When DIY makes sense
- You're painting a bedroom or small room (low risk)
- You have a free Saturday + Sunday morning
- You're going from light → light or matching the existing color
- Trim work is minimal (one door, no built-ins)
When to hire a pro
- Tall ceilings (over 9 ft) — ladder risk + bad coverage
- Lots of trim work, crown moulding, or built-ins
- Going from dark → light (3 coats often needed)
- You're using premium paint ($100/gallon) where finish matters
- Whole-house paint job — usually faster + better with a pro crew
Paint quality cheat sheet
- Budget ($25–35/gal): Behr Premium Plus, Glidden Diamond. Fine for low-traffic bedrooms.
- Mid-range ($45–65/gal): Behr Marquee, Sherwin-Williams ProClassic, BM Regal Select. Best value for most homes.
- Premium ($85–110/gal): Benjamin Moore Aura, Farrow & Ball. Lifestyle finish — depth, washability, color accuracy. Worth it for living rooms, dining rooms, and any room where light matters.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint do I need for a 12×12 room?
Walls = 384 sqft. Two coats need 2 gallons of mid-range paint (380 sqft/gal coverage) or 3 gallons of budget paint (350 sqft/gal). Add 1 gallon for the ceiling if you're including it.
How much does it cost to hire a painter?
$2.50–$4.50 per square foot of wall in 2026. A 12×12 room (384 sqft of walls) costs $1,000–$1,750 including their paint and supplies.
How long does DIY painting take?
5–7 hours for a 12×12 bedroom with 2 coats, including prep, taping, cutting in, and rolling. First coat takes longer; second coat goes faster. Pros do the same room in 2–3 hours.
What's the best paint brand 2026?
For most rooms: Behr Marquee or Sherwin-Williams ProClassic. For premium finish: Benjamin Moore Aura. Behr is widely available at Home Depot; SW and BM require dedicated stores.