UK Paint Estimator

Running out of paint halfway through a wall is incredibly frustrating, especially if you had the paint color-matched or custom mixed. Using our calculator ensures you buy the correct tin size (usually 2.5L, 5L, or 10L) the first time.

Average Paint Coverage in the UK

Not all paints are created equal, but for standard UK trade emulsion (matte or silk) used on interior walls, you can generally expect a coverage rate of 12 to 14 square metres per litre.

Keep in mind that coverage changes based on the surface:

• Fresh Plaster: Extremely porous. You must apply a "mist coat" (watered-down cheap paint) first. If you paint straight onto fresh plaster, it will suck the moisture out of the paint, requiring vastly more litres.
• Exterior Masonry: Rough surfaces like pebble-dash or brick require up to 30% more paint than a smooth interior wall.

Why Two Coats?

Our calculator defaults to 2 coats, which is the industry standard for a professional finish. One coat rarely provides an even, opaque finish unless you are simply freshening up a wall with the exact same shade of white. If you are painting a light color over a dark wall (e.g., white over navy blue), you should calculate for 3 coats.

Don't forget the doors and windows!

For a hyper-accurate calculation, find the total area of your walls, and then subtract the area of your doors and windows. A standard UK internal door is roughly 1.6m², and a standard window is about 1.2m².