How to calculate how many liter of paint you need
When painting a room, fence, or even your entire house, you might find yourself wondering how many liter of paint are required. Paint can be expensive, and while having a little extra for touch-ups is a good idea, you don't want to overestimate and buy too much since excess paint is typically non-returnable.
You can easily figure out how many liter you need either by using the calculator above or by following a few straightforward steps.
Step 1: Determine the total area of room
1. Area of two long walls:
2×(Length × Height) = A sq ft
2. Area of two short walls:
2×(Width × Height) = B sq ft
3. Total wall area (excluding ceiling):
A sq ft + B sq ft = C sq ft
Step 2: Determine the total area of Door
1. Area of Door:
(Width × Height) × Quantity
Step 3: Determine the total area of Window
1. Area of window:
(Width × Height) × Quantity
Step 4: Determine the total area to be painted
1. Area to paint:
(Total wall area) - (Step 2) - (Step 3)
Step 5: Determine the total Volume of paint needed
1. Volume of paint:
(Step 4) x Number of coats
Paint coverage rate (sq ft/L)
Should I buy extra paint?
It's often a good idea to buy a little extra paint for touch-ups, but avoid buying too much as unused paint is typically non-returnable. A general guideline is to buy about 10% more than your calculated amount.
What is paint coverage?
Paint coverage refers to the area that can be covered by a given volume of paint. It's usually measured in square feet per liter or gallon and can be found on the paint can label. Coverage depends on the type of surface and the thickness of the coat applied.
How do I account for multiple coats of paint?
If you are applying more than one coat, simply multiply the total area by the number of coats and then calculate the paint required for the total area.
What is a paint calculator?
A Paint Calculator is an online tool that helps you estimate the amount of paint needed for a project. It calculates the coverage based on the surface area of walls, ceilings, or other areas you intend to paint.
How Does a Paint Calculator Work?
You input the dimensions of the area to be painted (length, width, height), and the calculator determines the total surface area. It then estimates how much paint you’ll need, factoring in the type of surface, number of coats, and paint coverage per gallon.
What information do I need to Use a paint calculator?
To use a paint calculator, you’ll need:
- Room dimensions: Length, width, and height of the walls or surfaces.
- Surface type: Whether the surface is smooth or textured.
- Number of coats: Typically, two coats are recommended.
- Paint coverage: The coverage provided by the paint (usually specified on the paint can).
How Is paint coverage measured?
Paint coverage is generally measured in square feet per gallon. For example, one gallon of paint may cover about 350 square feet on smooth surfaces. Textured surfaces may require more paint.
How do I adjust the paint requirement for doors and windows?
Subtract the areas of windows and doors from the total wall area. You can do this by measuring the area of each window and door and then subtracting from the overall wall surface area.
How accurate Is a paint calculator?
Paint calculators provide a good estimate, but actual paint needs may vary based on surface texture, color changes, and application technique. It's always a good idea to buy a little extra paint to avoid running out during the project.
How do I know if I need primer?
Primer is often needed for surfaces that are:
- Bare wood
- Drywall
- Previously painted with dark colors or in poor condition
- High-traffic areas or stains the paint calculator may recommend primer if it’s necessary for your surface.
