How Much Does Paint Cover?
Standard emulsion covers 12–14m² per litre per coat; trade paints and some premium brands reach 16m². Bare plaster drinks paint — prime with a mist coat (watered-down emulsion) first, and expect coverage nearer 8–10m² on new plaster.
Room Size Rules of Thumb
An average bedroom (4×3.5m, 2.4m walls) needs about 5–6 litres for two coats on walls, plus 2.5 litres for the ceiling. A 2.5L tin of quality emulsion covers roughly one coat of an average room’s walls.
Pro Tips
- Always buy enough for the whole job from the same batch — colour can vary slightly between batches
- Two thin coats beat one thick coat every time
- Keep leftover paint sealed for touch-ups; note the colour code on the tin
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint do I need for an average room?
Around 5–6 litres for two coats on the walls of a 4×3.5m room, plus 2.5 litres for the ceiling — assuming 12m² per litre coverage.
How many square metres does a litre of paint cover?
Typically 12–14m² per coat for standard emulsion. New bare plaster absorbs more — expect 8–10m² and use a mist coat first.
Should I do one thick coat or two thin coats?
Always two thin coats — better opacity, even finish, and less risk of runs and sags.