| Primary value | 10 sqm / litre (emulsion) (primer 12 · enamel 14 · texture 4 sqm/L) |
| Applies to | Tender quantity estimation of paint and primer · Site material reconciliation against painted area · Renovation cost calculation per sqft |
| Exceptions | Cement primer (1 coat) → 10 – 12 sqm / L |
| Acrylic emulsion (interior) → 9 – 11 sqm / L per coat | |
| Exterior weather-shield emulsion → 8 – 10 sqm / L per coat | |
| Synthetic enamel (oil paint) → 12 – 14 sqm / L | |
| Texture / Spray coat → 3 – 5 sqm / L | |
| Number of coats — typical → 1 primer + 2 finish = 3 coats | |
| Measured as | Square metres covered per litre of paint applied at manufacturer-recommended dry-film thickness. Site coverage is typically 80–90% of theoretical due to roller / brush losses. |
| Source | IS 5410 / IS 5411 — Coverage tables ✓ Verified |
4 related items across IS codes, knowledge articles, design rules, maps and tools
Paint cost per sqm doubles between budget acrylic (~₹25/sqm material) and premium weather-shield (~₹65/sqm). Knowing coverage per litre lets the estimator order accurately — over-ordering leaves dead stock; under-ordering forces a colour-rematching trip mid-project. 10 sqm/L for emulsion is the industry default for budget calcs.
Estimators apply 1 primer + 2 finish coats = ~0.3 L emulsion per sqm of wall. A 1500 sqm building consumes ~450 L (= 22 × 20-L drums) of emulsion. Add 5–8% wastage for trim and brush losses.