Primer Calculator

Enter your wall dimensions and window/door counts to estimate how many gallons of primer you need, then compare costs across standard latex, high-hide, shellac-based, and bonding primer types.

Primer Calculator

Wall Perimeter (ft)

Wall Height (ft)

Number of Windows

Number of Doors

Number of Coats

Waste Factor (%)

Primer Pricing (edit to match local rates)

Standard Latex ($/gal)

High-Hide ($/gal)

Shellac-Based ($/gal)

Bonding Primer ($/gal)

Primeable Area

828 sq ft

960 wall - deductions

Best Option

Standard Latex

3 gal

Lowest Cost

$75.00

at $25.00/gal

Purchase Option	Quantity	Est. Cost
Standard Latex (350 sq ft/gal)Best value	3 gal	$75.00
High-Hide / Stain-Blocking (300 sq ft/gal)	4 gal	$140.00
Shellac-Based (250 sq ft/gal)	4 gal	$180.00
Bonding Primer (300 sq ft/gal)	4 gal	$160.00

Cheapest option: Standard Latex at $75.00Standard latex primer is the most affordable choice. It works well on clean, previously painted drywall and new drywall that doesn't have stains or odors to block.

This is a material estimate only. Actual coverage varies by surface porosity, texture, and application method. Always check the manufacturer coverage specs on the primer can. Buy an extra gallon for touch-ups and hard-to-reach areas.