How Much Does 2.5 Litres of Paint Cover? Tin Coverage Chart (UK)
A 2.5 litre tin of emulsion covers about 30 m² in one coat at the typical 12 m² per litre, so about 15 m² of wall with two coats. That is enough for the ceiling of most rooms, but not for two coats on the walls of even a small room. The charts below come from the paint calculator, using the coverage printed on the tin.
Area each tin covers
One coat at the coverage on the tin, and the last column for two coats at 12 m² per litre:
| Tin | 10 m²/L (rough, dark) | 12 m²/L (typical) | 13 m²/L (good quality) | 14 m²/L (smooth, repaint) | Two coats at 12 m²/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 litre | 10 m² | 12 m² | 13 m² | 14 m² | 6.0 m² |
| 2.5 litres | 25 m² | 30 m² | 33 m² | 35 m² | 15.0 m² |
| 5 litres | 50 m² | 60 m² | 65 m² | 70 m² | 30.0 m² |
| 10 litres | 100 m² | 120 m² | 130 m² | 140 m² | 60.0 m² |
Which tins to buy for a room
Two coats at 12 m² per litre, 2.4 m ceiling, one door and one window, with the tins that leave the least paint over:
| Room | Walls | Tins for the walls | Ceiling | Tins for the ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 2.5 m | 3.9 L | 2.5 L + 2 × 1 L | 1.3 L | 2 × 1 L |
| 3 × 3 m | 4.3 L | 2.5 L + 2 × 1 L | 1.5 L | 2 × 1 L |
| 4 × 3 m | 5.1 L | 2.5 L + 3 × 1 L | 2.0 L | 2 × 1 L |
| 4 × 4 m | 5.9 L | 5 L + 1 L | 2.7 L | 3 × 1 L |
| 5 × 4 m | 6.7 L | 5 L + 2 × 1 L | 3.3 L | 2.5 L + 1 L |
| 6 × 4 m | 7.5 L | 5 L + 2.5 L | 4.0 L | 2.5 L + 2 × 1 L |
Most emulsion comes in 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 litre tins; the larger tins usually cost less per litre, so one 5 L tin can be better value than two 2.5 L tins even if some is left over. Use your own room in the room decorating calculator for walls, ceiling and the sundries together.
What changes how far a tin goes
- The surface. New plaster soaks paint up and needs a thinned mist coat first. Rough, textured or patched walls take more than smooth, painted ones.
- The colour change. Going from dark to light, or to a strong colour, can take a third coat.
- The paint. Cheaper emulsions often cover less per litre. Use the figure on the tin, not a general one.
- The roller. A medium-pile roller on smooth walls spreads paint further than a long pile; overloading the roller wastes it.
For a whole room, the how much paint for a room guide has a chart by room size and coats, and common painting mistakes covers the preparation. The decorating planner puts the job in order.
Frequently asked questions
How much does 2.5 litres of paint cover?
About 30 m² for one coat at 12 m² per litre, which is about 15 m² of wall with the usual two coats. At 10 m² per litre (rough walls, dark colours) it is 25 m² for one coat.
Is 2.5 litres enough for a bedroom?
Not for two coats on the walls. A 3 × 3 m bedroom with a 2.4 m ceiling, one door and one window takes about 4.3 litres, so buy 2.5 L + 2 × 1 L; even a 3 × 2.5 m room takes 3.9 litres. A 2.5 L tin is plenty for the ceiling, which takes 1.5 litres.
How many litres of paint do I need for a room?
A 4 × 3 m room with a 2.4 m ceiling needs 5.1 litres for two coats on the walls. Enter your room in the paint calculator, or see the chart above for other sizes.
How much does 5 litres of paint cover?
About 60 m² for one coat at 12 m² per litre, or 30 m² with two coats. The walls of a 4 × 3 m room with a 2.4 m ceiling take 5.1 litres for two coats, so a 5 L tin is just short; add a 1 L tin.
Why does my tin cover less than it says?
The coverage on the tin is for smooth, sealed walls in good conditions. New plaster, rough or textured walls, strong colour changes and thick application all use more, so allow for 10 m² per litre on those.
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and check the Building Regulations and any planning rules for anything structural or close to a boundary.
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