Car Paint Quantity Calculator (Base, Clear and Primer)
Choose your vehicle and coat settings to estimate paint quantities.
Your numbers
Your results
Car Paint Quantity Calculator (Base, Clear and Primer) by TheCalcTools
How the Car Paint Quantity Calculator (Base, Clear and Primer) works
One gallon of paint spreads over 1,604 square feet at 1 mil (0.001 in) of solid film.
Multiply by the share of the paint that is solids, and by how much overspray is lost (transfer efficiency).
Gallons = area × film thickness ÷ (1,604 × solids × transfer efficiency).
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Vehicle size | SUV or wagon (200 sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Transfer efficiency | 65 % |
| Primer film (mils, dry) | 2.5 |
| Primer volume solids | 40 % |
| Basecoat film (mils, dry) | 1.5 |
| Basecoat volume solids | 25 % |
| Clearcoat film (mils, dry) | 2.5 |
| Clearcoat volume solids | 45 % |
| Price per gallon (paint) | $180 |
- A 200 sq ft SUV with 65% transfer efficiency: basecoat at 1.5 mils and 25% solids needs 1.15 gal.
- Clear needs 1.07 gal and primer 1.20 gal, 3.42 gal in all, about $615.
Result:
| Primer needed (gallons) | 1.20 |
|---|---|
| Basecoat needed (gallons) | 1.15 |
| Clearcoat needed (gallons) | 1.07 |
| Total sprayable paint (gallons) | 3.42 |
| Estimated paint cost | $615 |
Frequently asked questions
How much paint does it take to paint a car?
About 1 gallon of ready-to-spray basecoat and 1 gallon of clear for an average sedan, plus primer.
Why do the numbers differ from the can?
Mix ratios add reducer and hardener. The gallons here are sprayable (ready-to-spray) volume, so check the technical data sheet.
Sources and further reading
Related calculators
More in Automotive & Vehicle Costs · All calculators
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.