Category: Calculators
Paint Coverage Calculator
Work out how much paint a wall needs
Enter a wall area, the paint's coverage rate and the number of coats to estimate how much paint you need.
Use any area unit for both the wall area and the coverage rate, as long as they match; the result is in whatever paint unit the coverage rate uses. Everything stays on this device.
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What this tool does
The calculator multiplies the net paintable area, the wall area minus any doors or windows you deduct, by the number of coats, then divides by the paint's coverage rate to get the volume needed. It works with any consistent unit system, since the coverage rate is simply area covered per unit of paint.
How to use it
- Enter the total wall area you plan to paint.
- Optionally deduct the area of doors and windows.
- Enter the paint's coverage rate, from the tin label.
- Enter the number of coats, then read the paint needed.
Privacy
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your input is never uploaded, stored or shared — closing the tab removes it.
Frequently asked questions
- Which units should I use?
- Any consistent set works: if the wall area is in square meters, the coverage rate should be in square meters per liter, and the result is in liters. Square feet per gallon works the same way for gallons.
- Where do I find the coverage rate?
- Paint tins usually print a coverage rate per coat, such as '10 sqm per liter' or '350 sq ft per gallon'. Use the same figure here for each coat.
- Does this account for texture or absorbent surfaces?
- No, rough or very absorbent surfaces such as new plaster typically need more paint than the tin's stated coverage; increase the coats or lower the coverage rate to compensate.