How Many Gallons of Paint for a 3,000 Sqft House Interior?

When planning to repaint your home’s interior, one of the most common—and crucial—questions is: how much paint do I actually need? Whether you’re managing the project yourself or working with professionals, understanding the quantity of paint required can help you budget wisely, avoid waste, and achieve the best results.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to estimate gallons of paint needed for a 3,000 sq ft home, how factors like wall texture and number of coats influence usage, and why choosing the right materials and professionals makes a difference. If you’re looking for help from start to finish, be sure to explore our Residential Painting Services page to speak with a team member directly.

How Much Paint Do You Need for 3,000 Square Feet?

A common rule used by painting professionals is that one gallon of paint covers approximately 350 square feet of smooth wall space with a single coat. If your 3,000 square foot home includes average ceiling heights and no unusual architectural elements, you’ll likely need around 9 gallons of paint for one coat. For two coats—standard for color depth and durability—you’ll need roughly 18 gallons total.

However, square footage alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Highly textured walls or surfaces that absorb paint more readily, such as unfinished drywall or darker painted walls being covered with lighter colors, may require extra paint. Adding ceilings, closets, and trim work into the equation will also increase the amount needed.

This is why using a paint calculator by square feet can be so helpful. These tools allow you to plug in specific room dimensions and project details to get a more accurate estimate tailored to your home.

“Bob Jung has put together the dream team when it comes to painting. His crew was able to paint our 1,800 sq. ft house, garage and doors in only a day with two coats of paint. Our gutters were brand new and they handled with extreme care when taking off the house. Paint lines are clean and care was taken on patching up parts of the cedar siding that needed sprucing up. A shout out to Beto for being a great person to work with as well. He really goes above and beyond with his paint crew.” – Zack P.

How Many Square Feet Will a 5-Gallon Bucket of Paint Cover?

Many homeowners opt for 5-gallon buckets of paint to save on cost when covering large areas. A 5-gallon bucket typically covers around 1,750 square feet with a single coat. If you’re planning on two coats, you can expect to cover roughly 875 square feet per bucket.

Applying that to a 3,000 square foot home, you’d need approximately three to four 5-gallon buckets—depending on surface conditions, paint quality, and the number of coats applied. If you’re trying to figure out how much to paint a 2,000 square foot house interior, these estimates can help you plan both materials and budget. While buying in bulk can offer cost savings, it’s still important to calculate coverage carefully to avoid having too much—or worse, not enough.

How Much Is Labor for Painting?

If you plan to hire professionals, the cost of labor will likely be your biggest expense. Labor typically makes up 70% to 85% of the total cost of an interior paint job. In the Naperville area, painting labor generally ranges from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot*, depending on project complexity.

For a 3,000 square foot home, this translates to a labor cost between $4,500 and $10,500*, not including materials. Factors that influence labor costs include ceiling height, number of colors used, prep work required (such as patching or sanding), and whether trim and ceilings are included.

Hiring skilled professionals means faster, more consistent results—and often fewer gallons of paint due to proper surface preparation and efficient application.

How Can You Tell If Paint Is Good Quality?

When you’re buying 15 to 20 gallons of paint, quality matters. High-quality paint not only delivers better coverage per gallon but also looks better and lasts longer. So how can you tell if the paint is worth the investment?

Good-quality paint will have a thicker, creamier consistency and apply more evenly, even on the first coat. It will dry with a uniform finish, resist scuffing, and maintain color depth over time. Premium brands often offer paints with built-in primer, reducing the number of coats required. And while these products may cost more upfront, they can actually save money by reducing labor and reapplication needs.

What Is the Most Popular Color for a House Interior?

Color choices may be personal, but when it comes to market trends, neutral tones still dominate. Shades like warm white, soft gray, and the ever-popular greige (a mix of gray and beige) are versatile choices that appeal to most homeowners and buyers.

These colors work well in any room, reflect light beautifully, and provide a calming backdrop for furniture and decor. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, sticking with neutrals can also increase resale appeal. For those looking to add personality, navy blues, muted greens, and rich earth tones are currently popular as accent walls or statement spaces.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

So how many gallons of paint do you need for a 3,000 square foot interior? While the short answer is around 17 to 20 gallons for two coats, the real answer depends on a variety of factors: wall texture, ceiling height, paint quality, and whether you’re painting trim and ceilings too.

If you’re still unsure or want help turning your paint plans into a smooth, professional finish, our team is here to help. Visit Residential Painting Services to request a quote, or speak with one of our experts about your project.

*Disclaimer: Prices are subject to home size and situation.