Marking Paint Quantity Calculator

Plan site markings with reliable paint quantity estimates. Compare materials, adjust waste, and save time. Export results instantly for crews, bids, and purchasing teams.

Inputs

Used in exports and handover notes.
Factors are planning multipliers, not specifications.
Sum of all lines: bays, edges, arrows outlines, etc.
Common widths: 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm.
Use 2 coats for vivid colors on porous surfaces.
Use manufacturer data where possible.
Typical planning range: 4–10 m²/L.
Useful when specs quote wet film usage.
Include masking loss and spray inefficiency.
For touch-ups, rework, and color changes.
Add arrows, numbers, letters, logos, etc.
Estimate stencil footprint area on the surface.
Useful for small indoor or quick touch-ups.
Planning range: 1.5–3.0 m²/can.
Common cans: 0.5–0.75 L.
Examples: 5 L, 18 L, 20 L drums.
Rounding affects pack count only.
Add surface conditions, colors, cure windows, and crew notes.
Reset

Example data

Scenario Line length Width Coats Coverage Waste Symbols area
Parking bays and arrows 350 m 100 mm 2 6.0 m²/L 10% 12 m²
Warehouse aisles 220 m 75 mm 1 7.5 m²/L 8% 0 m²
Road edge lines 1.2 km 150 mm 2 5.0 m²/L 12% 4 m²

Example values are for estimating and planning. Always align with manufacturer product data and contract specifications.

Formula used

Line area: A_lines = Length × Width × Coats

Total area: A_total = A_lines + (A_symbols × Coats)

Base paint: L_base = A_total ÷ Coverage (where Coverage is in m²/L).

Adjusted paint: L_adj = L_base × (1+Waste%) × (1+Extra%) × SystemFactor × MethodFactor. Use the factors to include practical site losses during planning.

How to use this calculator

  1. Sum all marking lengths from your drawings or takeoff notes.
  2. Enter the line width and number of coats required.
  3. Add symbol or stencil area if you have arrows, text, or logos.
  4. Input coverage from the product datasheet for your surface.
  5. Set waste and contingency to reflect masking and touch-ups.
  6. Choose your purchase pack size to get recommended quantities.
  7. Download CSV or PDF to share with crews and procurement.

Professional notes

1) What this estimate represents

This calculator converts marking takeoff information into a paint quantity plan. It totals painted surface area from line length, line width, and number of coats, then converts area into liters using a selected coverage rate. Outputs include liters, US gallons, Imperial gallons, and a recommended number of purchase packs.

2) Typical project inputs and ranges

Common site and parking markings use 75–200 mm line widths, with 100 mm and 150 mm frequently specified. For bright colors on porous concrete, two coats are often planned. Symbol and stencil footprints (arrows, numbers, accessibility icons) can add measurable area, especially in dense parking layouts.

3) Coverage rate and surface condition

Coverage depends on product type, substrate porosity, and application method. Planning values often fall in the 4–10 m²/L range for paints, while higher-build systems may require more material for the same area. When a datasheet provides liters per square meter, the calculator converts it to m²/L for consistent reporting.

4) Waste and contingency management

Waste allowance accounts for overspray, masking, setup losses, and end-of-run container residue. Many field teams use 8–15% on open outdoor work, increasing for wind, complex stencils, or tight rework windows. A separate contingency percentage helps cover touch-ups after curing, traffic reopening, and minor layout changes.

5) Purchasing, packaging, and handover

Procurement is typically done in 5 L pails or 18–20 L drums, so pack rounding is critical to avoid shortages. Use round-up for high-risk schedules and multi-color phases. Export the CSV for quantity takeoff logs and the PDF for approvals, subcontractor scope sheets, and site handover documentation.

FAQs

1) Should I measure line length centerline or edge-to-edge?

Use centerline length for straight markings. For curves, measure along the curve centerline. Width is handled separately, so you do not need to measure both edges.

2) How do I estimate symbol area quickly?

Approximate each symbol as a rectangle or circle footprint on the surface, then sum areas. For repeated stencils, multiply one stencil area by the number of repeats.

3) What coverage value should I use if I only have film thickness?

Prefer the manufacturer’s coverage rate. If only film build is provided, ask for the recommended spreading rate or liters per square meter for the specified thickness.

4) Why does aerosol estimate differ from liters estimate?

Aerosol yield depends on nozzle pattern, distance, and overspray. The can estimate is a practical planning shortcut and should be verified with site trials or vendor guidance.

5) How do I choose waste and extra percentages?

Start with 10% waste for spray work and 5% extra for touch-ups. Increase waste for wind, masking, or complex symbols, and increase extra for phased work and heavy traffic.

6) Does the calculator include primer or surface preparation materials?

No. It estimates marking material only. Primers, cleaners, bead drop-on material, and preparation consumables should be taken off separately based on your specification.

7) Can I use this for multi-color striping?

Yes. Run the calculator once per color group using its specific coverage and waste settings. Combine the exported CSVs for a complete procurement summary.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.