Paint tin calculator — compare sizes & material costs

How the container comparison works

The calculator checks complete combinations of the sizes you enter. With prices for every size, it minimizes the materials subtotal, then leftover volume and container count. Without prices, it minimizes excess paint, then container count.

For an illustrative six-litre requirement, 2.5-litre tins at £20 and five-litre tins at £45 give a lowest materials cost of £60 for three small tins. Those example prices are not store offers. Different prices can change the answer.

Compare the same paint

Keep the product, colour and finish identical across the container sizes. The lowest cost among entered options is not a claim about the entire market. Discounts, stock limits, delivery, colour mixing and checkout prices need a separate check.

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.