Paint Coverage
Liters/gal of paint needed by area, coats and coverage.
Home, DIY & Construction
Estimate materials, coverage and project costs in minutes—no spreadsheets or sign-up required.
Who this hub is for
Homeowners, renters, contractors and weekend DIYers who want quick, reliable estimates for common projects. Use the cards, compare table and worked examples below to pick the right tool for your job.
Heads up: These are planning estimates, not engineered specifications. Always verify measurements, follow local codes and use proper safety gear.
Best Home & DIY Calculators (Quick Picks)
Compare Tools
| Tool | Best For | Inputs | Outputs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint Coverage | Walls & ceilings | Area, coverage/L or /gal, coats, primer | Liters/gal, cans, coats | Open |
| Tile | Floors & walls | Room size, tile size, grout, waste % | Tile count, boxes, grout bags | Open |
| Concrete Volume | Slabs, footings, holes | L×W×H (or dia/depth), overage % | m³ / yd³, mix bags | Open |
| Drywall Sheets | Rooms & partitions | Wall/ceiling area, sheet size, waste % | Sheet count, tape/mud estimate | Open |
| Roof Shingles | New roof / re-roof | Roof area, wastage, bundles/sq | Bundles/squares needed | Open |
| Stairs | Rise/run planning | Total rise, preferred run, nosing | Treads/risers, angle, stringer layout | Open |
| AC BTU | Room cooling size | Room area, height, exposure, occupants | BTU/h recommendation | Open |
| Renovation Cost | Budget planning | Room type, size, level/quality | Estimate by category | Open |
| House Cleaning Time | Scheduling & quotes | Rooms, size, frequency, mess level | Estimated time by task | Open |
| Garden Planner | Beds & paths | Plot size, beds, spacing | Layout, materials list | Open |
Walls & Surfaces
- Paint Coverage Estimator — liters/gallons and cans by area, coats and coverage.
- Drywall Sheet Estimator — sheet count + tape/mud guidance.
- Tile Calculator — tile count, boxes and grout with waste %.
Structure, Exterior & Masonry
- Concrete Volume — slabs, footings, holes (m³ / yd³ + bags).
- Roof Shingle Estimator — bundles/squares incl. wastage.
- Stairs Calculator — risers, treads, stringer angle.
HVAC & Room Planning
- Air Conditioner BTU — size a room AC by area and exposure.
Planning, Costs & Household
- Home Renovation Cost — budget ranges by room and quality.
- House Cleaning Time — time estimate by house size & tasks.
- Garden Layout & Cost Planner — simple bed and path planning.
- Daily Water Usage — household water footprint (also in Energy & Environment).
Worked Examples
- Paint a bedroom: 4.0 × 3.2 m room, wall height 2.6 m, one door (2.0 × 0.9 m) and one window (1.2 × 1.2 m). Two coats, 12 m²/L coverage → liters and cans on Paint Coverage.
- Tile a bathroom floor: 2.4 × 2.0 m floor with 200 × 200 mm tiles, 3 mm grout, 10% waste → tile count, boxes and grout on Tile Calculator.
- Pour a patio slab: 4.0 × 3.0 m slab at 100 mm thickness, add 8% overage → m³ and 25-kg bag count on Concrete Volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra material (waste) should I add?
For most projects add 5–10% overage for cuts and mistakes; complex layouts may need 10–15%. Always check the supplier’s return policy.
How many coats of paint should I plan for?
Two coats are typical for even coverage—plus primer when changing dark→light or on fresh drywall. The Paint Coverage tool includes coats and primer options.
What tile spacing (grout width) should I use?
2–3 mm for small tiles and 3–5 mm for larger tiles are common. The Tile Calculator lets you set grout width and waste %.
Does the concrete volume include waste and over-excavation?
We compute net volume. Add 5–10% for spillage, over-excavation and uneven subgrade unless your contractor specifies otherwise.
How do I size an air conditioner (BTU)?
Start with room area and adjust for ceiling height, sun exposure, insulation, occupants and appliances. Use the AC BTU tool for a room-level estimate.
Can I mix metric and imperial units?
Yes. Most tools accept both. You can also use our Unit Converters for quick conversions.
Will these estimates match contractor quotes?
They’re planning estimates. Quotes vary by materials, brand, wastage policy, regional labor rates and on-site conditions. Use results as a starting point.
How do I print or share my results?
Each tool has copy/print options. The hub also includes one-click share buttons.
Are there safety or code considerations?
Yes—always follow local building codes and safety practices (PPE, ladders, electrical isolation). When in doubt, hire a licensed professional.
Where can I plan energy savings for my home?
See our Energy & Environment hub for Home Energy Audit and Electricity tools.
DIY & Construction Disclaimer
These calculators provide planning estimates only and do not replace engineered drawings or professional advice. Conditions vary by site, materials and local regulation.
- Measurements: Verify all dimensions on site; allow for irregular walls and out-of-square rooms.
- Wastage: Add reasonable overage for cuts and breakage.
- Codes & safety: Follow local building codes and safe work practices. Use PPE and appropriate tools.
- No warranty: Results are “as is.” Obtain quotes from suppliers and licensed contractors before purchasing materials.
Related Hubs
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