Calculator
Example data table
| Area | Coats | Coverage | Waste | Product needed | Containers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 480 ft² | 2 | 200 ft² per gallon | 10% | 5.28 gallons | 6 × 1-gallon |
| 92 m² | 1 | 5.0 m² per liter | 8% | 19.87 liters | 4 × 5-liter |
| 1,200 ft² | 2 | 250 ft² per gallon | 15% | 11.04 gallons | 3 × 5-gallon |
Formula used
The calculator estimates stain concentrate first, then applies waste and dilution.
- Base volume = (Area × Coats × Surface factor) ÷ Coverage rate
- Product needed = Base volume × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100)
- Ready-to-apply = Product needed × (1 + Dilution% ÷ 100)
- Containers = ceil(Product needed ÷ Container size)
- Total cost = Containers × Price per container
How to use this calculator
- Select square feet/gallons or square meters/liters.
- Enter total area, then choose the number of coats.
- Type the product’s published coverage rate for your surface.
- Pick a surface preset, then adjust the factor if needed.
- Add a waste allowance to cover overlap and touch-ups.
- Enter dilution only if you will add water or solvent.
- Set container size and price to estimate purchase quantity and cost.
- Press calculate, then export your result as CSV or PDF.
Practical notes for concrete staining
Coverage varies more with surface condition than with slab size. New, smooth slabs often spread stain farther, while older porous concrete can absorb significantly more product. Textured patterns and heavy broom finishes also increase consumption because stain follows the peaks and valleys.
Always run a small test area before purchasing large quantities. If the slab has been sealed, coated, or treated with curing compounds, stain may not penetrate evenly. In those cases, surface prep and compatibility testing matter more than a simple coverage number.
Use waste allowance for sprayer priming, tray loss, and rework. When planning containers, rounding up is normal because touch-ups often occur after drying. Estimate stain needs accurately, reduce waste, and finish faster.