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This interior painting cost calculator estimates how much a professional painter will charge to paint the walls and ceilings of one or more rooms. It calculates the paintable wall area, subtracts doors and windows, and applies typical US prices per square foot of surface.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter the room length, width and wall height.
- Enter the number of doors and windows per room.
- Enter how many similar rooms you want painted.
- Tick the ceiling option if the ceilings are included.
- Optionally enter a quoted price per square foot of wall.
Typical Professional Painting Prices
| Surface | Typical US price |
|---|---|
| Walls | $1–$2 per sq ft of wall area |
| Ceilings | $1–$2.50 per sq ft of ceiling area |
| Whole interior | About $1–$4 per sq ft of floor area |
| Labor | About $30–$60 per hour |
Example
A 12 × 12 ft bedroom with 8 ft walls, one door and two windows has about 333 sq ft of wall. At $1–$2 per sq ft, painting the walls costs about $330–$670. Adding the 144 sq ft ceiling brings the total to about $480–$1,030.
Typical Cost by Room
| Room | Typical professional price |
|---|---|
| Bedroom | $300–$800 |
| Living room | $600–$2,000 |
| Kitchen | $200–$750 |
| Hallway or entry | $300–$1,000 |
What Changes the Price
- Wall repairs, patching and sanding.
- Dramatic color changes that need primer and extra coats.
- High or vaulted ceilings and stairwells.
- Trim, doors and cabinets, which are often priced separately.
- Moving furniture and protecting floors.
Painting it yourself? The paint calculator tells you how many gallons or litres to buy.
Sources for Cost Data
Prices are national ranges and change over time. Labor rates, materials and permit fees vary widely by region, so use these figures for budgeting and always compare several local quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to paint a room?
For a typical bedroom, professional painters often charge about $300–$800, or roughly $1–$2 per square foot of wall area.
Do painters charge by square foot?
Many quote per square foot of wall or floor area, while others charge per room or by the hour.
Does the price include paint?
Professional quotes usually include paint and supplies, but always confirm the brand and number of coats.
Is it cheaper to paint a whole house at once?
Usually yes, because setup time is shared and painters may offer a lower rate per square foot for larger jobs.
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