How much does 2.5 litres of paint cover?

A recorded 2.5-litre Dulux example

Our Wickes Dulux Matt Pure Brilliant White 2.5 L listing records 13 m² per litre. At that rate, the tin covers 32.5 m² for one coat, or 16.25 m² for two coats before extra allowance. The coat count here is an example; confirm the current label and surface preparation.

Why 32.5 m² is not a two-coat room size

Coverage per litre applies to the coated surface once. Two coats double the required volume. Measure wall area from perimeter and height rather than using the room’s floor area.

How many tins cover 31.6 m²?

At 13 m²/L and two coats, the exact requirement is 63.2 ÷ 13 = 4.8615… L. Two 2.5 L tins provide 5 L. Compare available sizes and prices in the calculator below.

Calculate paintable wall area, not floor area

For a rectangular room, multiply its perimeter by wall height, then subtract the total area of doors and windows. Add separate rooms before calculating containers when they share one paint colour.

A worked wall-paint example

4 × 3 m with 2.4 m walls: 2 × (4 + 3) × 2.4 = 33.6 m² of walls. Subtract 2 m² of openings to get 31.6 m². At 10 m² per litre and two coats, the estimate is 6.32 litres. Three 2.5-litre tins provide 7.5 litres.

Coverage and coats change the result

Manufacturer ranges use their lower coverage value by default. A quoted “up to” coverage is not a guarantee on every surface. Check porosity, colour change, application method and preparation; adjust the form to your current label.