If you’re planning a home makeover, one of the most common questions you’ll ask is: “1 litre of paint covers how many square meter?”

It’s a smart question—and the right answer can help you save time, money, and wasted materials. In this guide, you’ll discover how to calculate paint coverage properly, what affects it, and how much you’ll really need for your UK home or room.

How Much Area Does 1 Litre of Paint Cover? – The Basics

On average, 1 litre of paint covers between 10 and 16 square metres, depending on the paint type, surface condition, and number of coats needed.

This range is printed on most paint tins in the UK and is a good starting point. However, you’ll need to consider other factors to make a more accurate estimate.

What’s the Average Paint Coverage Per Litre?

Here are rough averages for commonly used paints:

• Matt emulsion: 13–16 m² per litre
  
• Silk/satin emulsion: 12–15 m² per litre
  
• Gloss paint: 10–12 m² per litre
  
• Exterior masonry paint: 6–10 m² per litre
  

Remember, these are single-coat estimates on smooth, sealed surfaces.

What Factors Affect Paint Coverage?

Surface Texture and Porosity

Rough or porous surfaces (like bare plaster or textured walls) will absorb more paint, reducing coverage per litre significantly.

Type of Paint Used

Some paints are thicker or more pigmented than others. For example:

• Emulsions cover more area than gloss
  
• Oil-based paints may require thinner coats
  
• Specialist paints (e.g. stain blockers) tend to have lower coverage
  

Number of Coats Required

A new or patchy wall often needs two coats. Some surfaces may also need a primer or undercoat, which affects how much paint you’ll need.

Paint Coverage for Different Types of Surfaces

Here’s a quick reference for different wall and ceiling conditions in UK homes:

Surface Type	Average Coverage (1 Litre)
Smooth, sealed wall	12–16 m²
Textured/Artex surface	6–10 m²
New plaster (unprimed)	5–8 m²
Ceiling (standard finish)	10–14 m²

Always check the tin—paint manufacturers often specify the exact spreading rate.

How Many Square Metres Will You Paint?

Before heading to the shop, you need to calculate the size of your painting area:

Steps to Measure Your Space

• Step 1: Just make a measurement of height × width for each wall in metres
  
• Step 2: Add all wall areas together
  
• Step 3: Subtract the area of windows & doors
  
• Step 4: Decide how many coats you’ll apply
  

Tip: Always round up slightly to allow for touch-ups or surface imperfections.

Do You Need One Coat or Two?

In most decorating projects, two coats are recommended, especially for:

• Brand-new plaster
  
• Colour changes (light to dark or vice versa)
  
• Patchy or uneven surfaces
  

Paint tins usually list their per-litre coverage for one coat, so remember to double the amount for two coats.

How Much Paint Do You Need Per Room? – UK Examples

Here’s a practical table to help estimate how much paint you’ll need for typical UK room sizes.

Room Type	Approx. Wall Area (m²)	Paint Needed (1 Coat)
Small Bedroom (3x3m)	25–30 m²	2–3 Litres
Medium Living Room	40–45 m²	3.5–4.5 Litres
Large Kitchen	50–60 m²	4.5–6 Litres

Planning two coats? Just double the litre estimate above.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Underestimating Paint

Avoid these costly errors when calculating your paint needs:

• Not accounting for ceilings or second coats
  
• Forgetting to subtract windows or large doorways
  
• Overlooking how porous your walls are (e.g. fresh plaster)
  
• Switching between different types of paint (some cover more/less)
  

Conclusion – Estimate Smarter and Paint Better

So, how many square metres does 1 litre of paint cover? That depends on:

• The type of paint
  
• The surface you’re painting
  
• Whether you’re applying one coat or two
  

But on average, you can expect 10–16 square metres per litre on smooth walls. Take time to measure your space, account for multiple coats, and choose your paint wisely.

Doing so ensures you’ll avoid extra trips to the DIY store, stay within budget, and enjoy a high-quality finish that lasts.

FAQs On 1 Litre of Paint Covers How Many Square Meter

1. How do I know if I have enough paint?

Use the coverage per litre listed on the tin, multiply by litres, also collate to your total m². Always round up.

2. Do all paints have the same coverage?

No—paint coverage varies by type, brand, and surface condition. Always read the manufacturer’s label.

3. Is it better to buy too much or too little paint?

It’s better to buy slightly more. Leftover paint can be used for touch-ups or future repairs. Paint batches may also differ in tone.

4. Can I mix different paint types to extend coverage?

No—it can cause inconsistent colour, texture, and drying issues. Always stick to the same paint type and brand.