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Wall Paint Calculator

Calculate exactly how many litres of paint you need. Enter room dimensions, select number of coats, and get an accurate estimate. Works for popular African paint brands.

Multi-RoomDoors & WindowsBrand Coverage
Room Dimensions
Paint Estimate
Total Wall Area
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Paintable Area
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Paint Required
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4L Tins Needed
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20L Drums Needed
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Popular African Paint Brands

Dulux (AkzoNobel): 10-14 m²/L depending on product. Premium Weathershield for exterior.

Berger Paints: 10-12 m²/L. Popular across West Africa. Butterfly and Texcote ranges.

CAP Plc: Nigeria's oldest paint company. 10-12 m²/L coverage.

Plascon (Kansai): Dominant in East and Southern Africa. 10-14 m²/L.

Crown Paints: Kenya market leader. 10-12 m²/L.

Always check the tin label for specific coverage. Surface condition affects coverage significantly.

Painting Tips

Surface prep: Fill cracks, sand rough areas, and apply primer. This ensures better coverage and adhesion.

Buy 10% extra: Always add 10% for wastage, touch-ups, and future repairs.

Two coats minimum: For colour change or unpainted walls, always apply 2 coats minimum.

Climate: In hot African climates, paint early morning or late afternoon when walls are cooler.

How to Calculate Paint for Your Walls

Whether you're painting a new build in Lagos, renovating a flat in Nairobi, or refreshing your Johannesburg home, knowing exactly how much paint to buy saves money and avoids the frustration of running short mid-project. This calculator accounts for room dimensions, doors, windows, number of coats, and paint coverage rates to give you an accurate estimate.

Understanding Paint Coverage

Paint coverage (also called spreading rate) varies by product type. Standard emulsion paints cover approximately 10 m² per litre, while premium paints may cover up to 14 m². Textured paints cover less due to their thicker consistency. Coverage also depends on wall surface — rough or porous walls absorb more paint than smooth, previously painted surfaces. Always check the coverage rate on the tin.

Standard Dimensions Used

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coats of paint do I need?
Minimum 2 coats for a good finish. Use 3 coats when painting over a dark colour with a light one, or on new/unpainted walls. Apply primer first on bare surfaces for best results.
Should I buy 4-litre tins or 20-litre drums?
Drums (20L) are more economical per litre and better for large areas. Tins (4L) are better for small rooms or touch-ups. For a typical 3-bedroom flat, you'll likely need 1-2 drums.
How do I estimate paint for irregular walls?
Break the wall into rectangular sections and calculate each separately. Add areas together. For triangular sections (gable walls), use: Area = 0.5 x base x height.