Paint can calculator — sizes, gallons & 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 1.2-US-gallon requirement, one-gallon cans at $30 and five-gallon containers at $120 give a lowest materials cost of $60 for two one-gallon cans. 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.