Paint Quantity Calculator
Estimate paint, primer, and putty for your walls with accurate coverage rates.
Deduct doors, windows, wardrobe area
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What is a Paint Quantity Calculator?
A Paint Quantity Calculator estimates how many liters of paint, primer, and kilograms of putty you need for your walls. It considers wall area, paint type, surface condition, and number of coats to provide accurate quantities.
One of the most common wastages in home renovation is buying excess paint or running short mid-project. Our calculator uses industry-standard coverage rates and adjusts for real-world conditions like fresh plaster or rough textures.
The calculator also shows can/bucket buying options (1L, 4L, 10L, 20L) to help you make cost-effective purchasing decisions.
Room Presets
7 common rooms: Bedroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Bathroom, and Full House (2BHK) for quick estimates.
Paint Types
Coverage rates for Emulsion, Distemper, Enamel, Exterior, and Texture paints.
Surface Adjustment
Fresh plaster, repaint, rough texture, or smooth POP - each affects coverage differently.
Complete Estimate
Paint, Primer, and Putty quantities with can size recommendations for smart buying.
How to Use the Paint Calculator
Enter Wall Area
Total paintable wall area in sq.ft. Use presets for common room sizes. Deduct doors, windows, and wardrobes.
Select Paint Type
Choose Emulsion for interiors, Exterior for outside walls, Enamel for woodwork.
Set Surface & Coats
Fresh walls absorb more. 2 coats is standard. Toggle primer/putty as needed.
Get Quantities
View liters of paint, primer, putty kg, and can buying options.
Paint Coverage Reference
| Paint Type | Coverage/L | Finish | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emulsion (Interior) | 100 sq.ft | Matte to Sheen | Living, Bedrooms |
| Distemper | 80 sq.ft | Matte | Budget projects |
| Enamel (Gloss) | 70 sq.ft | Glossy | Doors, Metal |
| Exterior Paint | 60 sq.ft | Weather-proof | Outside walls |
| Texture Paint | 40 sq.ft | 3D textured | Accent walls |
The "PPP" Rule
For a professional finish, follow the Putty-Primer-Paint sequence:
Fill imperfections, smooth surface. Sand after drying.
Seal surface, ensure paint adhesion, block stains.
Final color finish. Allow drying between coats.
Surface Coverage Factors
- Smooth/POP: +10% better coverage than standard
- Good Repaint: Standard coverage (100%)
- Fresh Plaster: -20% (absorbs more paint)
- Rough Surface: -30% (texture uses more paint)
Pro Tips for Painting
Buy 5-10% extra - Same batch for color consistency and touch-ups.
Mix all cans - "Box" paint from multiple cans before starting.
Test color first - Paint a small patch and check after drying.
Don't thin too much - Follow manufacturer's thinning ratio.
Clean brushes daily - Water for emulsion, thinner for enamel.
Check weather - Avoid painting in rain or very hot days.
Common Use Cases
Room Refresh
Single room repainting. Quick estimate with deductions for doors and windows.
Full House Painting
New construction or full renovation. Use full house preset and adjust.
Contractor Quotes
Verify material estimates from painters. Ensure you're paying for actual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need per square foot?
Standard emulsion paint covers 100-120 sq.ft per liter per coat on smooth surfaces. For 2 coats on 100 sq.ft, you need about 2 liters. Rough surfaces reduce coverage to 70-80 sq.ft/liter. Fresh plaster absorbs more, reducing coverage by 20%.
What is the difference between primer and putty?
Putty fills surface imperfections and creates a smooth base - applied first (2 coats, 15 sq.ft/kg). Primer seals the surface and ensures paint adhesion - applied after putty sanding (1 coat, 140 sq.ft/liter). Primer also blocks stains from bleeding through paint.
How many coats of paint do I need?
2 coats is standard for full coverage. Use 3 coats when: changing from dark to light color, painting over patches/repairs, or using low-opacity colors (yellow, red). 1 coat only for touch-ups or same-color refresh.
Is primer necessary for repainting?
If the old paint is in good condition (no peeling, no stains), you can skip primer for repainting. Always use primer for: fresh walls, over patches/repairs, color change from dark to light, or walls with water stains/smoke damage.
What size paint can should I buy?
Larger cans are more economical: 20L drum is cheapest per liter, then 10L bucket. Buy 1L/4L only for accent walls or touch-ups. For whole rooms, calculate total liters and round up to nearest standard size. Keep 5-10% extra for touch-ups.
How to calculate wall area for painting?
Measure each wall (Length × Height) and add all walls. Deduct area of doors (21 sq.ft typical), windows (15-25 sq.ft each), and built-in wardrobes. Or use thumb rule: Carpet area × 2.5 for walls + ceiling, or × 2 for walls only.
Which paint type should I use?
Emulsion: Best for interior walls, washable, many finishes. Distemper: Economy option, matte look, not washable. Enamel: For wood/metal (doors, grills), glossy finish. Exterior: Weather-resistant, UV stable. Texture: Decorative 3D effects.
How does surface condition affect paint coverage?
Fresh plaster: Absorbs 20% more paint. Rough texture: 25-30% more paint. Smooth/POP surface: Better coverage (10% less paint). Previously painted (good condition): Standard coverage. Always apply primer on fresh surfaces.
How long should I wait between paint coats?
Emulsion: 2-4 hours between coats (touch dry). Enamel: 16-24 hours. Fresh putty: 24 hours curing before sanding. Primer: 4-6 hours before painting. In humid conditions, add 50% more drying time.
Can I mix paint from different cans?
Yes, mix all cans of the same color before starting (called 'boxing') to ensure uniform shade. Batch variations can cause slight color differences. Never mix different brands or paint types. Store mixed paint in original containers for touch-ups.