The Paint Coverage Calculator converts between area and paint. Find how many gallons or liters you need for an area, how much area the paint you already have will cover, or convert a coverage rate between square meters per liter and square feet per gallon.
Paint Coverage Calculator
Convert between area and paint: how many gallons or litres for an area, how much area a can covers, and coverage per litre ↔ per gallon.
Coverage is always per coat, so the number of coats divides the area a can will cover.
Formula
- Area → paint: Paint = area × coats ÷ coverage
- Paint → area: Area = paint × coverage ÷ coats
- Conversion: 1 m²/L ≈ 40.7 ft²/US gal
How the Calculation Works
Step 1: Choose what you want to find.
Step 2: Enter coats and the coverage from the can.
Step 3: The calculator returns paint volume, area covered or the converted coverage.
Example Calculation
Area to paint
Given: 500 ft², 2 coats, 350 ft²/gal
Paint = 500 × 2 ÷ 350 ≈ 2.86 gal
Paint to area
Given: 1 gallon, 2 coats, 350 ft²/gal
Area = 1 × 350 ÷ 2 = 175 ft²
Converting coverage
10 m²/L × 40.7458 ≈ 407.5 ft²/gal
Coverage Conversion Table
| m² per liter | ft² per US gallon |
|---|---|
| 6 | ≈ 244 |
| 8 | ≈ 326 |
| 10 | ≈ 407 |
| 12 | ≈ 489 |
Units and Dimensions
- 1 US gallon = 3.785 L; 1 m² = 10.764 ft².
- Coverage printed on cans is typically for a smooth, primed surface; rough or porous surfaces reduce it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet does a gallon of paint cover?
It depends on the paint and surface; the can lists the coverage per coat.
How much area does a gallon cover with two coats?
Coverage ÷ 2 — at 350 ft²/gal, 175 ft².
How do I convert m²/L to ft²/gal?
Multiply by about 40.7.
How many liters of paint per square meter?
1 ÷ coverage in m²/L, per coat; at 10 m²/L that’s 0.1 L per m².
How much does a quart cover?
A quarter of the gallon coverage — about 87 ft² per coat at 350 ft²/gal.