Paint CoverageCalculator

Coverage varies by paint quality and number of coats. Standard emulsion covers around 12 m² per litre; premium covers ~14 m². For an average 4×4m room with 2.4m ceilings, you need roughly 7–9 litres for two coats. The calculator above gives you an exact figure based on your room dimensions, deducting doors and windows.

Materials alone typically cost £40–£120 per room depending on size and paint quality. Adding professional painter labour (£150–£250 per day), a full room paint job including prep, undercoat and two topcoats usually costs £300–£600. In London expect £400–£800. The calculator gives you the exact material cost so you can quote accurately.

Calculate each room separately using wall perimeter × ceiling height, deduct doors (1.8 m² each) and windows (1.5 m² each), then multiply by the number of coats. Add the ceiling areas separately. For a typical 3-bed UK semi you'd expect 25–40 litres of emulsion for walls and ceilings across all rooms at two coats.

Premium paint covers better per litre, lasts longer, and often requires fewer coats — making it more economical for large areas despite the higher unit price. Standard paint is fine for landlord refreshes or spaces that will be redecorated frequently. Premium is worth it for kitchens, hallways, and anywhere that takes heavy wear.

Matt finishes (coverage ~12 m²/L) hide imperfections best and are ideal for ceilings and low-traffic rooms. Eggshell and satin add a slight sheen, are more washable, and are preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. Gloss is used for woodwork and trim. Coverage per litre is similar across finishes, but sheen finishes may require a primer coat on bare or porous surfaces.

Buy 10–15% extra for touch-ups and keep a labelled tin for future repairs. This avoids the frustration of a colour being discontinued or dye-lots varying when you buy more later. For a 10-litre job, round up to 11–12 litres. The calculator rounds up to the nearest efficient tin combination but always keep at least 0.5–1L back for touch-ups.

This calculator focuses on walls only. Ceiling paint is typically a flat white and costs less per litre. For a 4×4m room ceiling, add 1 litre per coat (16 m² / 12 litres coverage ≈ 1.3 litres). Most decorators price ceilings separately — usually one coat of contract matt.

An experienced UK decorator can paint a standard 4×4m room (walls only, two coats) in 4–6 hours including prep. Allowing for drying time between coats, a full decorating day covers one average room. Rooms with high ceilings, intricate coving, or requiring extensive filling and sanding can take a full day on their own. Most decorators quote per room rather than per hour for domestic work.