Estimate litres and full tins for one paint product or colour at a time. Run it again for a different finish, primer or trim paint. Measure each surface in metres and enter the coverage from the tin in square metres per litre, per coat.
How to measure
- WallsWall width × height, less door and window openings.
- CeilingsLength × width. Split awkward shapes into rectangles.
- TrimTotal run × painted face width. Measure other exposed faces separately.
- Shopping listNet area × coats ÷ coverage. Round up to full tins.
Enter your measurements
Measure what you will actually paint
Enter door and window areas only where they will be left unpainted. For example, a 0.9 m by 2 m door opening is 1.8 m². Leave the deduction fields at zero for ceilings and trim. Enter trim widths in metres, so an 80 mm skirting face is 0.08 m wide.
Coverage varies with the paint and surface. Check the product label for coat count and coverage, particularly on bare plaster or textured surfaces. Run primer separately if you need it. Dulux measuring and coverage guide
Worked example
A 4 × 2.5 m wall with a 2 m² doorway leaves 8 m². Two coats at 10 m²/L need 1.6 L, so buy one 2.5 L tin.
Further Reading
