Matt emulsion covers 12 m2 per litre with one coat, requiring 0.83 litres for a 10 m2 wall. Coverage rates shift between finishes: silk reaches 13 m2 per litre, whilst gloss manages only 16 m2 per litre.
The amount of paint you need depends entirely on what type you choose. Matt emulsion is the standard for most UK interiors and covers roughly 12 square metres per litre in a single coat, though that figure assumes an average wall in decent condition. The real variable is finish: silk emulsion, often used in kitchens and bathrooms for its wipeable surface, covers marginally less at 13 m2 per litre. Gloss and eggshell, prized for their durability on woodwork and high-traffic areas, stretch further. Undercoat-essential for blocking stains and priming raw plaster-sits between them. Wall condition matters too: porous plaster or new magnolia absorbs more paint than a sealed surface.
| Paint | Covers per litre (1 coat) | Litres per 10 m2 | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Emulsion | 12 m2 | 0.83 litres | 12 m2 per litre, one coat |
| Silk Emulsion | 13 m2 | 0.77 litres | 13 m2 per litre, one coat |
| Gloss | 16 m2 | 0.62 litres | 16 m2 per litre, one coat |
| Eggshell | 14 m2 | 0.71 litres | 14 m2 per litre, one coat |
| Undercoat | 15 m2 | 0.67 litres | 15 m2 per litre, one coat |
How the number is worked out
Wall area is the perimeter times the 2.4 m ceiling, minus one door and the windows. Matt emulsion covers about 12 m2 per litre for one coat, so two coats over that area gives the litres in the table. Buy the next tin size up: paint left over is cheaper than a second trip and a slightly different batch.
Ceilings are counted separately, because the area is the floor area rather than the perimeter, and most people use a different paint for them. Skirting, architrave and doors are separate again: they take eggshell or gloss, which covers further per litre but needs an undercoat if the wood is bare.
What changes the number
Bare plaster drinks the first coat, so add a mist coat of watered-down emulsion before you start counting. A dark colour going over a pale one usually needs three coats rather than two, and a strong red or deep blue can need four. Textured or heavily filled walls swallow noticeably more than smooth plaster. Rollers with a long pile hold more paint and spread it thicker, which is why two people painting the same room from the same tin can end up with different amounts left over.
Work out your own
The table covers the usual cases. For your exact measurements, the paint calculator does the same arithmetic in the browser and gives you a size to shop for.
Related guides
- Warm Neutral Bedroom Paint Ideas for Small Rooms: Calming Colours That Don’t Shrink Space
- How Much Paint For a Bedroom? (UK Sizes and Litres)
- How Much Paint For a Living Room? (UK Sizes and Litres)
Common questions
Why does gloss paint go further than emulsion?
Gloss is denser and flows more smoothly across a surface, so you need less volume to build a complete coat. It covers roughly 16 m2 per litre compared to emulsion’s 12 m2. The trade-off is that gloss requires better preparation and more careful application to avoid visible brushstrokes.
Do I need to add the undercoat coverage to my total?
Yes. If you’re priming bare plaster or blocking a stain, you’ll need undercoat at 15 m2 per litre, then emulsion over the top. Your total litres should account for both coats separately. Some surfaces-already painted in the same colour-may skip undercoat entirely.
What if my walls are very textured or porous?
Textured and porous surfaces absorb more paint, reducing coverage to 8-10 m2 per litre or lower. Old lime wash, new plaster and woodchip wallpaper are notoriously thirsty. Prime with diluted emulsion or specialist primer first to seal, then calculate coverage on top.
Can I use the same coverage rate for ceilings?
Ceiling paint often includes additives to reduce drips, making it slightly thicker. It typically covers 10-12 m2 per litre rather than the standard 12 m2 of wall emulsion. Always check the tin-manufacturers specify coverage, and ceilings are harder to access, so measure carefully before buying.
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