How many coats of paint do I need?

Two coats is standard for most repaints using the same or a similar colour. If you're making a dramatic colour change, especially going from dark to light, plan for three coats or use a tinted primer first to reduce the total number needed.

How much wall does 1 litre of paint cover?

A typical interior emulsion covers roughly 10 to 12 m² per litre on a smooth, sealed surface. Actual coverage depends on the paint brand, wall texture, and whether the surface has been primed. Always check the manufacturer's stated coverage on the tin.

Should I subtract doors and windows?

Yes. Doors and windows are areas you won't paint, so including them inflates your estimate. A standard door accounts for about 1.9 m² and a standard window about 1.4 m². Subtracting them keeps your calculation accurate and avoids waste.

What size paint tin should I buy?

Paint is commonly sold in 1 L, 2.5 L, 5 L, and 10 L tins. Calculate your total litres needed and round up to the next available tin size. It is better to have a small amount left over for touch-ups than to run short mid-job.

Does wall texture affect how much paint I need?

Yes. Rough, textured, or porous surfaces absorb more paint than smooth plaster, reducing the effective coverage per litre. If your walls have a heavy texture or have never been sealed, increase your paint estimate by 10 to 20% to compensate.

Paint Calculator

Work out how much paint you need for any room. Doors and windows are subtracted, multiple coats factored in.

What are you painting?

Dimensions

Room length

Room width

Wall height

Total paint

7.00L

Recommended tins: 1 x 5L + 1 x 2.5L

Total wall area: 35.00 m²
Doors and windows: 0.00 m²
Paintable area: 35.00 m²
Paint per coat: 3.50 L

Paint Calculator

How paint calculations work

How to measure your room

Common mistakes to avoid

Frequently asked questions

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