Parking Lot Striping Calculator
Calculate paint needed, costs, and labor for parking lot striping projects. Perfect for contractors, property managers, and DIY enthusiasts.
🅿️ Parking Lot Striping Calculator
Standard Spaces
Angled Spaces
Handicap Spaces
Include fire lanes, directional arrows, stop bars, etc.
Water-based paint typically costs $15-35 per gallon
📊 Results
Enter your parking lot details and click "Calculate" to see results
Parking Space Layout Guide
Standard 90° Spaces
- Space Size: 9' × 18'
- Drive Aisle: 24' wide
- Efficiency: Most efficient use of space
- Best For: High-capacity lots
Angled Spaces (45°-60°)
- Space Size: 9' × 18'
- Drive Aisle: 15'-18' wide
- Efficiency: Easier navigation
- Best For: One-way traffic flow
ADA Accessible Spaces
- Space Size: 8' × 18'
- Access Aisle: 5' wide (8' for van)
- Required: 1 per 25 regular spaces
- Features: Symbol, blue lines, signage
ADA Requirements
| Total Spaces | Min. Accessible Spaces | Van Accessible |
|---|---|---|
| 1-25 | 1 | 1 |
| 26-50 | 2 | 1 |
| 51-75 | 3 | 1 |
| 76-100 | 4 | 1 |
| 101-150 | 5 | 1 |
| 151-200 | 6 | 1 |
| 201-300 | 7 | 2 |
Paint Types Comparison
| Feature | Water-Based | Oil-Based | Thermoplastic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $15-35/gallon | $25-45/gallon | $40-80/unit |
| Durability | 1-2 years | 2-3 years | 3-7 years |
| Drying Time | 30-60 minutes | 1-2 hours | 5-10 minutes |
| Weather Resistance | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| VOC Content | Low | High | Low |
| Application | Easy | Moderate | Requires special equipment |
| Best For | Low-traffic areas, DIY | Medium-traffic areas | High-traffic areas, highways |
🚚 Striping Tips & Best Practices
Surface Preparation
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the surface using a power washer or blower to remove dirt, debris, and loose material.
- Oil Spots: Treat oil spots with degreaser and rinse thoroughly before striping.
- New Asphalt: Allow new asphalt to cure for at least 30 days before striping.
- Old Lines: For restriping, determine if old lines need to be removed or can be painted over.
- Layout: Use chalk lines or string to mark layout before painting.
Application Techniques
- Weather Conditions: Apply paint when temperature is between 50°F and 85°F with low humidity.
- Wind: Avoid striping on windy days to prevent overspray.
- Equipment: Use a professional line striping machine for best results.
- Technique: Maintain consistent speed and pressure for uniform lines.
- Multiple Coats: Apply two thin coats rather than one thick coat for better durability.
Maintenance & Longevity
- Inspection: Inspect lines every 6 months for wear and fading.
- Restriping: Plan for restriping every 1-3 years depending on paint type and traffic volume.
- Touch-ups: Address damaged areas promptly to maintain visibility.
- Sealcoating: Schedule striping after sealcoating, allowing 24-48 hours for sealcoat to cure.
Important Note
Always check local regulations and ADA requirements before striping a parking lot. Requirements for handicap spaces, fire lanes, and other markings may vary by location. Improper striping can result in fines and liability issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a standard 4-inch wide line, one gallon of water-based paint typically covers about 320 linear feet. Oil-based paint covers approximately 350 linear feet per gallon. Thermoplastic material covers about 120 linear feet per 50-pound bag. Our calculator accounts for these coverage rates and includes a 15% waste factor to ensure you have enough material for your project.
Standard parking spaces are typically 9 feet wide by 18 feet long (2.7m × 5.5m) for 90-degree parking. Angled parking spaces (45-60 degrees) maintain the same dimensions but require less drive aisle width. ADA accessible spaces must be at least 8 feet wide with an adjacent access aisle of at least 5 feet (8 feet for van-accessible spaces). Local regulations may vary, so always check your local building codes.
The frequency of restriping depends on the paint type, traffic volume, weather conditions, and maintenance practices:
- Water-based paint: Every 12-18 months
- Oil-based paint: Every 24-36 months
- Thermoplastic: Every 3-7 years
High-traffic areas may need more frequent restriping. It's best to restripe when lines become faded or difficult to see, as clear markings are essential for safety and compliance.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires accessible parking spaces for individuals with disabilities. Key requirements include:
- Minimum number of accessible spaces based on total parking spaces (see table above)
- Accessible spaces must be at least 8 feet wide with an access aisle of at least 5 feet
- Van-accessible spaces must have an 8-foot access aisle
- Spaces must be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility
- Accessible spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance
- Vertical signage must be provided for each accessible space
Yes, DIY parking lot striping is possible for smaller lots, but professional results require proper equipment and preparation:
- For small lots (under 20 spaces), a hand-held striper can work
- Larger lots require a walk-behind or ride-on striper for straight, consistent lines
- Proper surface preparation is essential (cleaning, repairs)
- Layout planning and measuring must be precise
- Weather conditions must be appropriate (dry, 50°F+)
For commercial properties, professional striping is recommended to ensure ADA compliance and professional results.
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