Ceiling Paint Calculator
Works out ceiling paint from the room size. The ceiling area is simply the floor area, so this needs only the two dimensions.
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The formula
litres = area ÷ coverage per litre × coats
Coverage is the whole calculation, and it is the figure tins are most optimistic about. The label quotes a smooth, sealed, previously painted surface; bare plaster, textured render and a strong colour change all take noticeably more.
What to watch out for
Ceilings are the easiest area to calculate and the hardest to paint well:
- Area equals the floor. No deductions unless there is a stairwell or a large light fitting.
- Two coats, always. Light crosses a ceiling at a shallow angle, which shows every missed patch and roller line that a wall would hide.
- Use ceiling paint, not wall emulsion. It is formulated thicker to drip less, and many go on pink and dry white so you can see where you have been.
- Textured ceilings take much more. Artex and similar can need half as much again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint for a ceiling?
A 4 × 3.5 m ceiling is 14 m², which takes about 2.6 litres for two coats — a single 2.5 L tin plus a little, so buy 2.5 L and a 1 L.
Do I need special ceiling paint?
It helps. Ceiling paint is thicker so it drips less overhead, and many types go on pink and dry white, which makes it far easier to see where you have covered.
How much paint does a textured ceiling need?
Around half as much again as a flat one. Drop the coverage figure to 7–8 m²/L for Artex or heavy texture.