Paint Calculator

Calculate paint needed for walls, ceilings, rooms, and other surfaces. Get accurate estimates for paint quantity and cost based on area and paint type.

Surface Details

Paint Settings

Recommended: 10-15%

Quick Examples

Calculation Results

Surface Area

Total Area:0.00
With Coats:0.00
Paint Type:Interior Wall Paint

Paint Needed

Enter dimensions to calculate paint needed

💡 Tips

  • • Always buy slightly more paint than calculated to account for touch-ups
  • • Consider the surface texture - rough surfaces need more paint
  • • Dark colors may require more coats for good coverage
  • • Factor in drying time between coats

About Paint Calculator

Our comprehensive Paint Calculator helps homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts accurately estimate paint requirements for various surfaces and projects. This essential tool provides precise calculations for paint quantity, cost estimation, and project planning, ensuring you purchase the right amount of paint for your painting needs.

What It Calculates

  • Surface Area: Total area to be painted in square meters
  • Paint Quantity: Amount of paint needed in liters and gallons
  • Cost Estimation: Total project cost including paint and supplies
  • Coverage Analysis: Paint efficiency and application rates
  • Project Planning: Material requirements and budgeting
  • Wastage Calculation: Extra paint for touch-ups and spills

Surface Types and Calculations

Wall Surfaces
  • Rectangular Walls: Length × Height calculations
  • Door Deductions: Subtract door areas from total
  • Window Deductions: Subtract window areas from total
  • Multiple Walls: Add all wall areas together
  • Ceiling Areas: Length × Width calculations
  • Trim Areas: Baseboards, crown molding, door frames
Complex Surfaces
  • Irregular Shapes: Break down into simple shapes
  • Angled Surfaces: Use trigonometry for calculations
  • Curved Surfaces: Approximate with straight segments
  • Textured Surfaces: Add extra paint for texture
  • Porous Materials: Increase paint absorption
  • Metal Surfaces: Special primer requirements

Understanding Your Results

Surface Area

Total area to paint

Paint Quantity

Liters and gallons needed

Coverage

Paint efficiency rate

Total Cost

Project budget estimate

How to Use

Select the surface type you want to paint, enter the dimensions in meters, choose your paint type, specify the number of coats needed, and add wastage percentage. The calculator will automatically compute the total surface area, paint quantity required, and estimated project cost.

Paint Types and Coverage

Interior Paints:

  • Flat/Matte: 10-12 m²/L, best coverage
  • Eggshell: 8-10 m²/L, washable finish
  • Satin: 7-9 m²/L, durable finish
  • Semi-gloss: 6-8 m²/L, high durability
  • Gloss: 5-7 m²/L, maximum durability

Exterior Paints:

  • Acrylic Latex: 8-10 m²/L, weather resistant
  • Oil-based: 6-8 m²/L, long lasting
  • Elastomeric: 4-6 m²/L, waterproofing
  • Textured: 3-5 m²/L, decorative finish
  • Primer: 10-12 m²/L, surface preparation

Surface Preparation Factors

Surface Condition
  • New Drywall: Requires primer coat
  • Previously Painted: May need light sanding
  • Stained Surfaces: Special primer required
  • Metal Surfaces: Rust-inhibiting primer
  • Wood Surfaces: Wood primer recommended
  • Concrete/Masonry: Masonry primer needed
Environmental Factors
  • Temperature: 10-30°C optimal range
  • Humidity: Below 70% recommended
  • Ventilation: Good air circulation needed
  • Lighting: Adequate light for application
  • Dust Control: Clean work environment
  • Drying Time: Allow proper curing

Application Techniques

  • Brush Application: Best for edges and small areas
  • Roller Application: Efficient for large flat surfaces
  • Spray Application: Fast coverage, requires skill
  • Cutting In: Paint edges before rolling
  • Wet Edge Technique: Maintain wet edge for smooth finish
  • Multiple Coats: Thin coats better than thick ones

Paint Quality Considerations

Premium Paints
  • Better Coverage: More area per liter
  • Durability: Longer lasting finish
  • Washability: Easier to clean
  • Color Retention: Fade resistance
  • Application: Smoother finish
  • Cost Efficiency: Better long-term value
Budget Paints
  • Lower Coverage: More paint needed
  • Shorter Lifespan: May need repainting sooner
  • Limited Washability: Harder to clean
  • Color Fading: May fade over time
  • Application Issues: May require more coats
  • Initial Savings: Lower upfront cost

Project Planning Tips

  • Measure Twice: Double-check all dimensions
  • Buy Extra: 10-15% additional paint recommended
  • Color Matching: Keep paint codes for touch-ups
  • Batch Numbers: Use same batch for consistency
  • Storage Conditions: Store paint properly
  • Disposal Planning: Plan for paint waste disposal

Common Painting Mistakes

  • Insufficient Paint: Not buying enough paint
  • Poor Preparation: Skipping surface preparation
  • Wrong Tools: Using inappropriate brushes/rollers
  • Rushing Application: Not allowing proper drying time
  • Ignoring Weather: Painting in poor conditions
  • Color Mismatch: Not testing colors first

Safety Considerations

Important Safety Tips
  • Ventilation: Ensure adequate air circulation
  • Protective Equipment: Use masks, gloves, and goggles
  • Chemical Safety: Handle solvents and cleaners carefully
  • Fire Safety: Keep away from open flames
  • Child Safety: Keep paint out of reach of children
  • Disposal: Follow local hazardous waste guidelines

Cost Optimization Strategies

Material Savings
  • Bulk Purchasing: Buy larger containers
  • Quality Selection: Choose appropriate paint grade
  • Color Selection: Use standard colors when possible
  • Efficient Application: Minimize waste during painting
  • Proper Storage: Extend paint shelf life
  • Reuse Opportunities: Use leftover paint for touch-ups
Labor Savings
  • Proper Preparation: Reduce repainting needs
  • Efficient Techniques: Use appropriate tools
  • Batch Painting: Paint multiple areas together
  • Professional Help: Consider for complex projects
  • Maintenance Planning: Regular touch-ups extend life
  • DIY vs. Professional: Evaluate cost-benefit
Pro Tip

Always buy 10-15% more paint than calculated to account for touch-ups, spills, and future maintenance. Consider the surface texture and condition - rough or porous surfaces will require more paint than smooth ones. Test your paint color on a small area first, as colors can look different under various lighting conditions. Remember that proper surface preparation is crucial for a professional finish and can actually save paint by ensuring better coverage and adhesion.