Interior Painting Cost Calculator
Interior painting is often priced by the floor area of the rooms being painted. Enter the square footage and choose what gets painted.
Most homeowners pay $3,000 to $6,000 for 1,000 sq ft, walls and ceilings.
Your estimate
- Materials and labor
- Add-ons
National installed prices, materials and labor included. Your local quotes may differ.
Interior painting cost by option
Installed totals (based on 1,000 sq ft), with standard conditions included.
| Option | Typical total |
|---|---|
| Walls only | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Walls and ceilings | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Walls, ceilings and trim | $4,500 to $7,500 |
Installed price per unit
| Option | Installed price |
|---|---|
| Walls only | $2.00 to $5.00 per sq ft |
| Walls and ceilings | $3.00 to $6.00 per sq ft |
| Walls, ceilings and trim | $4.50 to $7.50 per sq ft |
What drives the price
- ScopeTrim, doors and ceilings add labor beyond walls.
- PrepPatching, sanding and caulking take time and are where quality shows.
- Ceiling heightTall ceilings and stairwells need ladders or scaffolding.
- Color changesGoing from dark to light often needs primer or an extra coat.
How this estimate works
The calculator multiplies your floor area of rooms by the installed price range for the option you pick, adjusts it for the conditions you set, then adds any extras you tick. The headline number is the midpoint of your range. Low-end prices fit simple jobs in lower-cost areas. High-end prices fit complex jobs, premium brands and high-cost metros.
Get at least three written quotes before you hire. Ask each contractor to list materials, labor, permits and disposal separately so you can compare them line by line. Read how we build our ranges.
Common questions
How long does it take to paint a room?
A pro can often paint an average room in a day, depending on prep.
How much paint do I need?
A gallon typically covers a few hundred square feet of wall per coat. Check the can's label.
Is it cheaper to paint the whole house at once?
Usually yes, since setup and travel time are spread over more rooms.
Sources and method
Price ranges are national installed estimates maintained by the HouseMath editorial team and last reviewed September 2026. For the labor side of the job, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for painters, construction and maintenance (SOC 47-2141), which shows how trade wages differ by state.