Paint Coverage Guide: Use Our Square Footage Calculator for an Approximate Paint Estimate
Estimating the right amount of paint for a project can be a challenge, especially in the Sea-to-Sky region, where wall textures, wood features, and climate conditions vary widely from home to home. Using a paint calculator is one of the easiest ways to get an approximate idea of how much paint you might need before buying materials.
Whether you're refreshing a small room or repainting a chalet, this guide will walk you through how to measure your space, how much a 4-litre container of paint typically covers, and how to use our built-in square footage calculator to plan more efficiently.
All values provided here are approximate only, as real-world coverage can vary depending on surface condition, paint brand, sheen, and preparation requirements.
How to Measure Your Space for Better Results
While the calculator provides approximate estimates, your measurements should be as accurate as reasonably possible.
Here’s how to measure:
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Measure wall height and width.
Record the height and width of each wall. -
Calculate total square footage
Multiply height × width for each wall, then add all wall totals together. -
Subtract windows and doors
This small step improves the estimate for smoother, more efficient planning. -
Include ceilings (optional)
If you plan to paint your ceiling, measure the room length × width.
Measurement Checklist
✓ Measure each wall
✓ Add total square footage
✓ Subtract doors & windows
✓ Include ceilings and extra surfaces (if painting)
Once you have your measurements, plug them into our calculator!