A 14 × 16 room needs about 3 gallons
Using these planning assumptions, the room has 429 sq ft of paintable wall area after standard openings. At 350 sq ft per gallon with a 10% waste allowance, the exact estimate is 2.70 gallons. We recommend buying 3 gallons — see the calculator result panel for the optimal container combination.
A realistic 14 × 16 project
A 14 × 16 room has a 60-foot perimeter, 480 gross wall sq ft, and 429 paintable sq ft after the modeled openings. Two coats and 10% extra total 2.70 gallons, making three gallons a close but sensible purchase.
What is distinctive about this size?
Long 16-foot walls expose roller lap marks more readily. Maintain a wet edge, work in full-height sections, and avoid stopping in the middle of the longest wall when light travels across it.
Only about 0.30 gallon remains in the model. Keep it for high-traffic repairs; do not assume it will cover an adjoining hallway unless that surface is measured separately.
Calculation for this room
| Room perimeter | 60 ft |
|---|---|
| Gross wall area | 480 sq ft |
| Door and window deduction | 51 sq ft (one door + two windows) |
| Coats | 2 |
| Calculated paint | 2.70 gal |
Tips for a 14 × 16 room
For a primary bedroom or compact living room:
- Remove or cover furniture before painting — aim for a clear 3-foot workspace around each wall.
- Paint the ceiling first if included, then work top-down on walls to catch drips.
- Cut in edges with a 2½-inch angle brush before rolling for clean lines at corners and trim.
- If this is a frequently used room, choose a washable paint finish (eggshell or satin) for easier cleaning.
Before buying paint
This result is a starting point, not a substitute for the product label. Textured walls, fresh drywall, unsealed patches, and dramatic color changes reduce effective coverage. Measure oversized doors and windows separately, and calculate trim or closets as separate surfaces.
- Use the actual coverage printed on your selected paint can.
- Keep the 10% allowance for touch-ups and application loss.
- Prime new drywall, repairs, stains, or glossy surfaces when required.
- Mix multiple cans together ("boxing") before painting to ensure consistent colour.
What changes this estimate?
A one-foot increase in wall height adds 60 sq ft per coat. Adding the ceiling contributes 224 sq ft per coat. Use the calculator above for unusual openings, different coat counts, or a lower coverage rate for textured or porous surfaces.
Related room sizes
Compare all common room-size paint estimates →
Estimates are for planning; product instructions and field measurements take priority.