Wall Paint Calculator: How Many Liters for Your Room
For walls and ceilings, indoor or outdoor.
- 1Dimensions
- 2Result
Material
Paint
Typical room
What we calculate
Openings (doors and windows)
This calculator gives you the exact amount of washable interior paint needed for your project - walls, ceiling, or both. Enter your room dimensions, and the tool applies a real-world coverage rate of 9 m²/liter per coat, not the optimistic figures on paint tins. For a standard two-coat finish, plan around 4.4 liters for 20 m² of surface area, plus a 10% buffer. Brands like Sniezka, Polisan, Caparol, and Magnat are available in stock at our Chisinau warehouse.
What the Calculator Measures
Interior washable paint (latex or acrylic) is the standard choice for walls and ceilings in Moldovan homes and offices. The calculator accounts for two coats by default - one coat rarely gives full opacity on previously painted or porous surfaces.
Coverage we use: 9 m²/liter per coat. This is 80% of the manufacturer's typical claim (around 11-12 m²/liter), which reflects real application conditions - textured walls, roller absorption, slight over-application at edges.
You can deduct door and window areas to get a precise figure. Add 10% buffer before ordering.
How to Calculate Paint Quantity
The formula:
Liters needed = (Total surface area × number of coats) ÷ 9, then add 10%
Example - 20 m² room, 2 coats:
- 20 m² × 2 = 40 m² total
- 40 ÷ 9 = 4.44 liters
- +10% buffer = approximately 4.9 liters
Round up to the next available pack size. Better to have 0.3 liters left over than run short mid-wall.
Do you need primer first? For bare plaster, new drywall, or stained surfaces - yes. Primer improves adhesion and can reduce paint consumption by 15-20% on porous walls.
Choosing the Right Paint
Two main finish types for interior walls:
- Matte - hides surface imperfections better, typical for bedrooms and living rooms
- Satin - slightly reflective, easier to clean, better for kitchens and hallways
Brands in stock at Colorista.md: Sniezka, Polisan, Magnat, Caparol, Dufa, Aura/Eskaro. All carry washable (lavabila) formulations suitable for Moldovan climate conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How much paint do I need for a room?
For a 20 m² surface area with 2 coats, you need approximately 4.4-4.9 liters. The calculator uses 9 m²/liter real-world coverage per coat, which accounts for texture, roller absorption, and two-coat application. Always add 10% to your calculated amount before ordering.
How many coats of paint for interior walls?
Two coats is the standard for interior walls. One coat often shows patchiness, especially on lighter colours over dark surfaces or on slightly porous plaster. With washable acrylic paint, the second coat also improves washability and colour depth.
Do I need primer before painting walls?
On bare or porous surfaces - yes, primer is worth it. It seals the wall, improves paint adhesion, and can reduce total paint consumption. On previously painted walls in good condition, you can often skip primer. If in doubt, one coat of primer costs less than an extra litre of finish paint.