How Much Paint Do I Need? A Step-by-Step Calculation
Work out how much paint you need for walls, ceilings and woodwork: coverage rates, deductions for doors and windows, coats, primer and a full worked example.
Topic
Paint colours and finishes, how much paint to buy, wood tones and natural materials, explained without jargon.
4 guides · last published October 23, 2026
Work out how much paint you need for walls, ceilings and woodwork: coverage rates, deductions for doors and windows, coats, primer and a full worked example.
Why white paint looks grey, yellow or blue on your walls, and how to choose the right one using undertones, LRV, room orientation and proper large swatches.
Matt, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss or gloss? How paint sheen affects durability, washability and how flaws show, plus which finish to use in each room.
A step-by-step guide to choosing a colour palette for your home: undertones, light, the 60-30-10 rule, whole-home flow, testing paint samples and palette ideas.
Free planning tools
Work out how much paint a room needs, which rug size fits your layout and how wide and long your curtains should be. Free, no sign-up, nothing to install.
Open the tools