How paint quantity is calculated
Paint needed scales with the area to cover and the number of coats, and scales down as coverage per liter improves.
- area — wall area in square meters
- coverage — square meters covered per liter
- coats — number of coats to apply
Common values
| Wall area (m²) | Paint needed |
|---|---|
| 4 m² | 0.8 L |
| 10 m² | 2.0 L |
| 20 m² | 4.0 L |
| 40 m² | 8.0 L |
| 60 m² | 12.0 L |
| 80 m² | 16.0 L |
| 120 m² | 24.0 L |
| 200 m² | 40.0 L |
| 400 m² | 80.0 L |
More detail
Why coverage rate matters most
Coverage per liter varies widely by paint type and surface — smooth walls and higher-quality paint often cover more area per liter than rough or porous surfaces. Using the coverage rate printed on your paint can gives the most accurate estimate.
Practical tip. Buy slightly more than the calculated amount to cover touch-ups and uneven absorption, and keep paint from the same batch for color consistency.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint do I need for a 40 m² wall with 2 coats?
At a coverage of 10 m²/L, 40 m² × 2 coats ÷ 10 m²/L = 8 L. Enter your own wall area and coverage rate above for the exact amount.
How many 1 L cans should I buy?
The Cans needed output rounds the total liters up to the nearest whole 1 L can — an 8 L requirement means 8 cans if buying in 1 L units.
Where do I find the coverage rate (m²/L) for my paint?
It's printed on the paint can's label, usually as a range (e.g. 8–12 m²/L). Use the lower end for rough or porous walls and the higher end for smooth, primed surfaces.
Should I buy extra paint beyond the calculated amount?
Yes — buy slightly more to cover touch-ups and uneven absorption, and try to get paint from the same batch so the color matches across cans.