The UK Paint Coverage Cheat Sheet
How far a litre really goes, how many coats you need, and a quick formula to buy the right number of tins.
Coverage per litre by paint type
Coverage is the figure that decides how much paint you buy. These are typical UK rates for one coat on a prepared surface.
| Paint type | Covers per litre | Use on |
|---|---|---|
| Wall emulsion | ~12 m² | Interior walls |
| Ceiling matt | ~11 m² | Ceilings |
| Eggshell | ~14 m² | Woodwork, trim |
| Gloss | ~16 m² | Woodwork, doors |
These are typical UK decorating-trade coverage rates (see sources below), and the same rates HomeCalc's paint calculator uses, so the cheat sheet and the tool always agree.
How many coats
- 2 coats is standard for a solid, even finish — plan for it.
- 3 coats when going from a dark colour to a light one, or onto bare plaster.
- 1 coat only refreshes a same-colour wall — rarely enough on its own.
Deductions for openings
| Feature | Take off |
|---|---|
| Each standard door | ~1.8 m² |
| Each standard window | ~1.2 m² |
The quick formula
Wall area = (room perimeter × wall height) − doors − windows
Litres needed = (wall area × number of coats) ÷ coverage per litre
Sources: Dulux Trade datasheets (coverage reference) and standard UK decorating-trade conventions (coats, door/window deductions, ceiling height). Last verified June 2026. General guidance only — coverage varies by surface, colour and brand; always check the figure on the tin.