Too little paint costs you a trip to the store mid-job. Too much sits in the garage. This calculator works out gallons from each area, your coats and the real coverage of each surface, then picks the cheapest mix of 5-gallon pails, gallons and quarts and adds the supplies.
Nothing hidden here. You can read how gallons get worked out right now, tab by tab. Pair it with our painting quote calculator and both sides of the job are covered.
What the Paint & Materials Calculator does
- Up to 40 areas by dimensions or square feet, with openings taken off
- Coverage adjusted for the surface, so rough stucco and new drywall aren't planned like smooth walls
- Paint, primer and stain with their own coats, plus a waste allowance
- Cheapest mix of 5-gallon pails, gallons and quarts, and what's left over
- Up to 25 products with quart, gallon and 5-gallon prices
- Supplies by rule: per square foot, per gallon, per room or per job
- Printable Shopping List with a Got it column
- Materials cost for the job, ready to copy into the Painting Quote Calculator
What's inside
9 tabs: Start Here, Dashboard, Job Areas, Shopping List, Materials, Products, Supplies, Lists, Settings.
Who it's for
Painters who are tired of guessing gallons, and owners who want materials priced into every bid.
What you get
Two spreadsheet files (.xlsx): one filled with examples so you can see exactly how it works, and a blank copy ready for your business. For Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. No macros, no subscription.
The formulas are locked, so a stray keystroke can't break them. You only type in the yellow cells.
What you need to use it
- Microsoft Excel 2010 or newer, on Windows or Mac, including Microsoft 365
- Or Google Sheets in any web browser, free with a Google account
- A laptop or desktop works best for setup. Phones and tablets are fine for checking numbers and quick entries.
- No macros, add-ins or internet connection needed once it's downloaded. Apple Numbers isn't supported.
Questions
Does it plan for primer?
Yes. Pick a primer and its coats on each area, or set a default primer on Settings.
Can I change coverage?
Yes. Each product has a coverage range, and Settings lets you plan with the low, middle or high number.
Is there a blank version?
Yes. Every download has two files: one filled with examples so you can see how everything works, and a blank copy ready for your own business. Your rates and settings come filled in as a starting point, so change them to match yours.
Can I change the formulas?
The gray formula cells are locked so they can't be erased by accident. If you really want to change one, open Review in Excel and choose Unprotect Sheet. There's no password.
Does it work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Upload the file to Google Drive and open it with Google Sheets. The math works the same. Locks don't carry over, so just type in the yellow cells.
How do Free Lifetime Updates work?
Whenever we release a new version, you can download it free from your account, forever. We'll email you when there's something new.
