Painting Business Pricing Calculator

How this calculator works

Every part of the job is measured on its own, then multiplied by the hourly rate you want to earn and adjusted for condition, access and add-ons. It doesn't just copy what the cheapest operator charges.

• Floor area drives the bulk of the hours — roughly 2.5 minutes per square foot for a full interior scope before adjustments.
• Room count matters independently of area. Cutting in, edges and corners are where the hours go, so six small rooms take longer than two big ones.
• Bathrooms add about an hour each — tight spaces, detailed cutting, fixtures to work around.
• Ceiling height multiplies everything by 12–28%. Nine-foot and vaulted ceilings change the whole approach.
• Condition adds 15–60%. On exteriors, scraping and priming frequently make up half the labour on the job.

Sourcing: Ranges reflect published 2026 Metro Vancouver market pricing — interior repaints commonly $2–$4/sq ft for walls only and $3–$7/sq ft for a full walls, ceilings and trim scope; exteriors commonly $1.50–$6/sq ft; painter labour commonly $40–$100+/hr. Most established companies also apply a job minimum. This is an estimating tool, not a quote — always walk the property before committing to a price.