Paint Calculator — m, m², liters & cost

Dimensions in m, cm, mm · Liters of paint & primer · Cost estimate
Coverage per manufacturer specs
Switch to Imperial version →

How to use this calculator

Choose a surface mode — room walls, ceiling, single wall, or custom area. Enter dimensions in meters, centimeters, or millimeters. Select paint type and number of coats. Doors and windows are automatically deducted. Results update instantly.

Paint types — Flat/Matte (12 m²/L), Eggshell (10), Satin (10), Semi-Gloss (10), Gloss (9).
Primer — 1 coat at 10 m²/L for new plaster, dark-to-light colour changes, or stain blocking.
Cost — price per liter of paint and primer, plus optional flat-rate for supplies. Currency selector: €, zł, Kč, kr.

Flat — 12 m²/L Eggshell — 10 Satin — 10 Semi-Gloss — 10 Gloss — 9
Surface & Dimensions
Coverage: ~10 m²/L. Recommended for new plaster, dark-to-light changes.
Standard door: 0.9 × 2.1 m = 1.89 m²
doors
Average window: 1.2 × 1.0 m = 1.20 m²
windows
3% smooth walls · 5% typical · 10% textured
%
Diagram
Surface Layout
Optional sections:
Cost Estimate
Supplies
Rollers, brushes, painter's tape, drop cloths — flat rate for the job.
Results
Paint
Paintable Area
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Paint Needed
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liters
Paint (net, no waste)
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liters
Openings Deducted
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Primer
Primer Needed
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liters

Saved Calculations

TimeModeArea m²Paint LPrimer LCoatsTotal
No saved calculations

How to Calculate Paint for a Room (Metric)

This paint calculator estimates the liters of paint and primer needed for walls, ceilings, or any custom surface area. Enter room dimensions in meters, centimeters, or millimeters, choose your paint finish (flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss), select the number of coats, and optionally add primer. Doors (1.89 m² each) and windows (1.20 m² each) are automatically subtracted.

Formulas Used

Paintable area = wall perimeter × height − doors − windows.
Paint liters = ceil(paintable area × coats × (1 + waste%) ÷ coverage per liter).
Primer liters = ceil(paintable area × (1 + waste%) ÷ 10).

Paint Coverage by Finish

Flat/Matte: 12 m²/L — best for ceilings and low-traffic areas. Eggshell: 10 m²/L — most popular for living rooms and bedrooms. Satin: 10 m²/L — kitchens, bathrooms, hallways. Semi-Gloss: 10 m²/L — trim, doors, cabinets. Gloss: 9 m²/L — high-moisture areas and accent surfaces.

FAQ

Do I need primer? Yes, if painting new plaster, going from dark to light colours, or covering stains. One coat of primer at 10 m²/L is sufficient for most situations.

Misha Noyr, M.Eng.

Misha Noyr, M.Eng.

Civil Engineer · 15+ yrs · structural design, geotechnics. Full bio →