Paint Calculator
How many litres of paint to buy for a room or wall area. Handles multiple coats, doors and windows, and adds a waste buffer so you don't run out at the last wall.
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How to use
- 1
Pick room mode if you know L × W × H, or area mode if you've already measured the wall area.
- 2
Pick what you're painting — walls only, walls + ceiling, or ceiling only.
- 3
Subtract doors and windows so you're not paying for paint you don't apply.
- 4
2 coats is the default. 3 if you're going light over a dark base.
- 5
The waste buffer (default 10%) covers spillage and touch-ups. Don't skip it — running out mid-job means a paint-store run.
Frequently asked questions
Litres = (area in m² × number of coats) ÷ coverage rate, plus a waste buffer. Standard interior emulsion covers 10-12 m² per litre per coat. So a 60 m² wall surface needing 2 coats at 11 m²/L = 60 × 2 ÷ 11 = 10.9 L, plus 10% waste = 12 L.
Check the tin — manufacturers print it on the back. Typical ranges: emulsion 10-13 m²/L, primer 8-10 m²/L (heavier), satin / silk finishes 11-14 m²/L, exterior masonry paint 6-10 m²/L (rough surfaces eat more). Round down if the wall is textured or absorbent.
Standard interior door = ~1.8 m². Standard window = ~1.5 m². Subtracting them prevents over-ordering. If your room has a large feature window (3+ m²) or French doors, enter custom measurements via the area mode instead.
Yes if you're (a) painting fresh plaster/drywall, (b) covering a dark colour with a light one, (c) painting over glossy or stained surfaces, or (d) covering stains/mould patches. Primer coverage is lower (~8 m²/L) — add a separate primer tin to your shopping list.
Single coat works only when (a) refreshing the SAME colour on existing paint, (b) using premium one-coat formulas like Dulux Diamond One Coat, AND (c) the existing surface is clean and non-glossy. Otherwise, expect 2 coats. Most professionals quote 2 coats by default for new colours — patchy results from a single coat are very common.
Mid-range emulsion (Asian Paints Tractor, Dulux EasyCare): AED 30-60 per litre. Premium (Dulux Diamond, Jotun Fenomastic): AED 80-120/L. Specialised finishes (chalkboard, magnetic, anti-mould): AED 150-250/L. Trade buyers get 20-40% off via Dragon Mart wholesalers.
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Source: Manufacturer-published coverage rates: 10-12 m²/L for interior emulsion (Dulux, Jotun, Asian Paints) · Last verified 2026-06. Dulux UAE. This tool provides estimates only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Always verify your specific situation with the relevant UAE authority or a licensed advisor before taking action.