Paint consumption calculator
Instant volume calculation with selection of optimal cans
to see the exact calculation
Paint consumption calculator per 1 m2
📊 Cheat sheet: Average paint consumption
If you haven't purchased materials yet, use these averages to plan your budget. Please note: the figures are for application in one layer.
| Padding type | Consumption (g/m²) | How much is 1 liter enough? |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based | 150 - 200 g | 7 - 9 m² |
| Acrylic | 130 - 160 g | 8 - 10 m² |
| Oil (Enamel) | 100 - 130 g | 10 - 12 m² |
| Primer | 80 - 120 g | 10 - 14 m² |
| Front | 180 - 250 g | 5 - 6 m² |
⚖️ Kgs or Liters? How not to make a mistake
A common mistake for beginners is to assume that 1 kg of paint is equal to 1 liter. Paint is denser and heavier than water, so a 5-kilogram can can contain only more than 3 liters.
V (liters) = Mass (kg) / Density - Water emulsion: density ~1.5 kg/l
- Enamels: density ~1.2 kg/l
Example: If you take a jar of acrylic paint weighing 5 kg, then its actual volume will be about 3.3 liters.
📏 How to measure a room correctly
In order not to buy too much, you need to correctly calculate the area to be painted.
1. Wall area
You need to find out room perimeter (the sum of the lengths of all walls) and multiply it by the height of the ceiling.
2. Do not paint windows and doors!
Be sure to subtract the openings. For reference:
- Standard window: subtract ~2.25 m²
- Interior door: subtract ~1.6 m²
💸 3 factors that “steal” your paint
Why does it say on the can “enough for 10 meters”, but in fact it wasn’t enough?
- Absorption: Plaster or brickwork work like a sponge. Without primer, consumption will increase by 1.5–2 times.
- Tool: A long-nap roller takes up much more material than a foam roller or spray gun.
- Color: When painting dark walls with a light shade, 3-4 layers may be required instead of two.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
❓ Do I need to prime the walls before the second coat?
No. The primer is applied only to the “bare” wall (plaster, putty) before the first layer for adhesion. There is no need to prime between layers of paint itself - this will only ruin the coating.
⏱️ How long does paint dry between layers?
For water-based and acrylic paints, 2–4 hours is usually sufficient. For oil-based ones - up to 24 hours. Always read the instructions: applying a second coat to a wet first will result in peeling.
🎨 What is “hiding power”?
This is the ability of paint to overlap the color of the base. Paints of the 1st class of hiding power cover the color the first time (they are more expensive). Class 3-4 paints will require 3-4 layers, so savings on the price of a can can often be deceptive.