Solution Volume Needed Calculator

Plan mixes before crews open the drums. Switch units, compare ratios, and export reports instantly. Reduce overruns with clear, job-ready volume totals every time.

Calculator
Enter your surface details, coverage, and dilution to estimate working solution volume.
Gross area before waste and porosity factors.
The calculator converts internally to metric.
Choose the format from your data sheet.
Example: 5 m2 per liter.
Applies the coverage each coat.
Overspray, spillage, hose losses, leftovers.
Extra pickup on porous or rough substrates.
Choose what your spec provides.
Concentrate strength from manufacturer label.
Desired working strength on-site.
Concentrate part(s).
Water part(s).
L
Helpful for drums or jerry cans.
Example data table
Sample scenario showing how inputs translate into outputs.
Input Value Notes
Surface area250 m2Concrete wall treatment zone
Coverage5 m2 per LFrom product data sheet
Coats2Two-pass application
Waste factor8%Hose and overspray losses
Porosity factor5%Rough substrate pickup
Stock -> Target20% -> 4%Strength reduction on-site
Working solution total113.40 L~ 29.96 gal
Concentrate needed22.68 L~ 5.99 gal
Water needed90.72 L~ 23.97 gal
Formula used
How to use this calculator
  1. Measure the surface area to be treated and choose the correct unit.
  2. Enter coverage or application rate exactly as your product sheet lists.
  3. Set the number of coats, then add waste and porosity factors.
  4. Select a mixing method: concentration targets or a parts ratio.
  5. Click Calculate to view totals above the form.
  6. Export results using the CSV or PDF buttons in the results card.
Coverage rate interpretation

Coverage numbers vary by substrate texture, temperature, and application method. A published 5 m2/L rating often assumes smooth, sealed surfaces and controlled spray patterns. For rough blockwork or broom-finished slabs, practical coverage can drop 10-25%. Use a small test patch (for example 10 m2) to confirm your real liters per coat before committing to full procurement. Recording these observations in daily logs improves future estimates and supports confident change-order discussions.

Coats and film build planning

Multiple coats are not simply "double the work." Two coats may be specified to improve uniformity, reduce pinholes, or achieve target film build. If the first coat primes pores, the second can spread farther on less absorbent surfaces. When specifications call for two passes, start with the same rate for both coats, then adjust the second coat rate only after field verification.

Waste and porosity allowances

Waste factor accounts for hose losses, overspray, tray leftovers, and start-stop inefficiency. Typical allowances range from 5% (roller on flat areas) to 15% (spray at height with long hoses). Porosity factor captures extra pickup on thirsty or sandy surfaces and can add another 5-20%. Applying both factors separately helps you explain variance to project controls and reduce end-of-day shortages.

Dilution control and concentrate budgeting

Dilution errors are costly: under-strength mixes may fail performance testing, while over-strength mixes inflate chemical spend. When your stock is 20% and the working mix is 4%, every 100 L of working solution requires 20 L concentrate and 80 L water. That simple relationship supports fast stock checks during delivery and helps supervisors validate batch tickets on site.

Container rounding and procurement checks

Rounding up to drum or jerry-can sizes is a practical procurement step. If the calculated total is 113.4 L and you issue 20 L containers, rounding to 120 L prevents half-used containers and reduces crew downtime. Pair rounding with storage planning: keep sealed concentrate shaded, label mixed batches with date/time, and align ordering with shift plans to limit rework.

FAQs
1) What is the "working solution" volume?

It is the total mixed liquid you apply on the surface after dilution. The calculator includes coats, waste, and porosity so you can plan the full on-site batch volume.

2) Should I enter coverage or application rate?

Use whichever your product sheet provides. Coverage is area per liter (or per gallon). Application rate is liters per square meter (or gallons per square foot). The tool converts formats internally.

3) Why are waste and porosity separate inputs?

Waste reflects handling losses like overspray and leftover material. Porosity reflects extra absorption by the substrate. Separating them improves transparency and makes it easier to justify adjustments in reports.

4) How does the concentration method split concentrate and water?

It uses a proportional rule: Concentrate = Total x (Target% / Stock%). Water is the remaining volume. This matches common dilution practices when concentrations are stated on data sheets.

5) When should I use the parts ratio method?

Use it when instructions specify mixing by parts (for example 1:4). The calculator divides the total into the same fraction of concentrate and water, which is useful for field batching.

6) Does rounding change the dilution accuracy?

Rounding increases total volume to a convenient container multiple. The calculator keeps the same concentrate fraction, so the working mix strength stays consistent. Always measure accurately when batching to avoid drift.

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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.