Paint Calculator
Estimate the litres of paint your project needs from area, coverage and coats.
m²
m²/L
coats
- 1
Litres per coat
60 ÷ 10 = 6 L - 2
Total litres
6 × 2 = 12
Formula
How this is calculated
The calculator takes three inputs. Wall area is the total surface to be painted in square metres (m²) — add up width times height for every wall. Coverage is the spreading rate from the paint tin in m² per litre, i.e. how many square metres one litre covers in a single coat (typical interior emulsion is about 10 m²/L). Coats is how many layers you plan to apply.
The logic is simple: dividing the wall area by the coverage gives the litres needed for one coat, and multiplying by the number of coats scales that up to your full job. The tool also reports total surface as area times coats, the combined m² your paint must cover across every layer.
The estimate assumes uniform, non-porous surfaces and even application; bare plaster, primers, textured walls and strong colours all soak up more and reduce real coverage. It does not deduct doors or windows automatically — leave them in for a built-in buffer, or subtract them yourself for a tighter number. Buy slightly extra to allow for waste and touch-ups.
About this calculator
To estimate paint, divide the total wall area by the coverage rate printed on the tin (how many square metres one litre covers), then multiply by the number of coats. Most interior emulsions cover roughly 10 m² per litre per coat, but primers, textured walls and deep colours can need more. Two coats is standard for an even, durable finish.
Measure each wall (width × height) and add the areas together for the total. You can subtract large openings like doors and windows for a tighter estimate, or leave them in to build in a safety margin. Buying a little extra is wise — it covers touch-ups and avoids a second trip if a batch colour differs slightly.
Frequently asked questions
Around 10 m² per coat for typical emulsion, though it varies with surface, colour and brand. Check the tin for the exact figure.
Two coats is standard for full, even coverage. A strong colour change or bare surface may need a primer plus two coats.
You can for a precise estimate, but leaving them in adds a useful buffer for touch-ups and waste.
Also known as
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. (2026). Paint Calculator [Online calculator]. TG we-Calculate. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/paint-calculator
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. "Paint Calculator." TG we-Calculate. 2026. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/paint-calculator.
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team, "Paint Calculator," TG we-Calculate, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://we-calculate.com/calculator/paint-calculator
@misc{wecalculate_paint_calculator, title = {Paint Calculator}, author = {{TG we-Calculate Editorial Team}}, howpublished = {\url{https://we-calculate.com/calculator/paint-calculator}}, year = {2026}, note = {TG we-Calculate} }
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