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Calculate how much paint you need for walls, ceilings, and whole rooms. Get litres needed, number of tins, and estimated costs in Australian sizes.
Number of coats
Most jobs need 2 coats for even coverage
Paint Coverage Guide
| Surface type | Coverage (m²/L) | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Interior walls (smooth) | 12–14 | Set 13 |
| Interior walls (textured) | 8–10 | Set 9 |
| Ceiling paint | 10–12 | Set 11 |
| Exterior walls | 8–12 | Set 10 |
| Primer / undercoat | 10–12 | Set 11 |
| Timber / doors | 12–14 | Set 13 |
| Fence paint / stain | 6–8 | Set 7 |
Click any row to set the coverage value. Coverage varies by surface texture, porosity, and paint type.
Quick Reference — Common Room Sizes (AU)
| Room | Typical size | 2 coats (approx) | Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 3.5m × 4m | ~12L walls | Use |
| Living room | 5m × 4m | ~16L walls | Use |
| Bathroom | 2.5m × 3m | ~8L walls | Use |
| Kitchen | 3.5m × 3.5m | ~10L walls | Use |
| Hallway | 6m × 1.2m | ~10L walls | Use |
| Single garage | 6m × 3m | ~14L walls | Use |
Click any row to load dimensions into the room calculator. Based on standard 2.7m ceiling height and 12 m²/L coverage.
How paint coverage works
Coverage (m²/L) tells you how many square metres one litre of paint will cover. It depends on the surface porosity, texture, colour change (dark to light needs more), and application method. Rollers are more efficient than brushes; spray guns use more paint due to overspray.
Always check the tin
Every tin of paint lists its coverage on the label. Use that number for the most accurate result. Our default of 12 m²/L is a good starting point for interior walls with a roller.
Preparation tips
Australian standard ceiling heights
The default height of 2.7m matches the current Australian standard for new residential builds.
The formulas
Single wall:
area = W × H − doors − windows
litres = (area × coats) ÷ coverage
Whole room:
walls = 2(L+W) × H − doors − windows
total = (walls + ceiling) × coats
litres = total ÷ coverage
Standard deductions:
Door ≈ 1.9 m² (820 × 2040 mm)
Window ≈ 1.5 m²
Buy the right amount
It's better to buy slightly more paint than you need. Leftover paint is useful for touch-ups, and paint from different batches can vary slightly in colour. Store sealed tins in a cool, dry place for up to 10 years.
Measure the width and height of each wall to get the area in square metres. Subtract approximately 1.9 m² for each standard door and 1.5 m² for each window. Multiply the paintable area by the number of coats (usually 2 for a colour change, 1 for a refresh), then divide by the paint's coverage rate from the tin label. The result is the litres of paint you need. Always round up and buy a bit extra for touch-ups and wastage.
For interior walls, use a washable low-sheen or matt finish — these hide imperfections and are easy to touch up. Kitchens and bathrooms need a semi-gloss or satin finish for moisture resistance. Ceilings use a flat white ceiling paint designed to minimise glare and spatter. For exterior walls, choose a paint rated for Australian UV conditions. Primer is essential on bare surfaces, colour changes from dark to light, and stained areas. In Australia, Dulux, Taubmans, and British Paints are widely available at Bunnings, and Haymes and Wattyl offer premium alternatives at specialist stores.