Interior Painting Cost Estimator
Estimate the cost to paint your home's interior. Get detailed breakdowns for labor, paint, and supplies based on your room count and quality preferences.
Quality paint, proper prep and 2 coats
Enter your room details to estimate painting costs.
How It Works
Our painting calculator estimates costs based on total wall area, which we calculate from your room count, average room size, and ceiling height. We subtract approximately 15% for windows and doors to get accurate paintable square footage.
Labor is the biggest cost factor in professional painting, typically accounting for 70-80% of the total. Quality level affects both paint cost and labor time—premium jobs require more extensive preparation and additional coats for a flawless finish.
We assume two coats of paint, which is standard for most color changes. Significant color changes (light to dark or vice versa) may require additional coats and primer, increasing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to paint a house interior?
Professional painters typically complete one average room (walls and trim) per day. A full house (5-7 rooms) takes 3-5 days including prep and cleanup. DIY projects take 2-3 times longer due to learning curve and fewer workers.
Is it worth hiring professional painters?
Professional painters deliver faster results, better prep work, cleaner lines, and a more durable finish. They also handle moving furniture and cleanup. DIY saves money but requires significant time investment. For one or two rooms, DIY can make sense. For whole-house projects, professionals are often worth the cost.
How often should interior paint be refreshed?
High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens need repainting every 3-5 years. Bedrooms and low-traffic areas can go 5-7 years. Quality paint lasts longer. Touch-ups can extend time between full repaints if the existing paint is in good condition.
What paint sheen should I choose?
Flat/matte hides imperfections but is hard to clean—use in bedrooms and low-traffic areas. Eggshell offers slight sheen and is easier to clean—good for living rooms. Satin works well in kitchens and bathrooms. Semi-gloss is ideal for trim, doors, and high-moisture areas.
Do I need to prime before painting?
Prime if you're covering dark colors, painting over stains, on new drywall, or changing from oil-based to latex paint. Many quality paints include primer, but dedicated primer is more effective for problem areas. Skipping primer when needed leads to poor coverage and paint failure.