Paint Calculator Nigeria — Litres and Buckets Needed

A typical 3-bedroom house (approx. 120–150 sqm floor area) with standard ceiling height requires approximately 25–40 litres for the walls (2 coats) and 10–15 litres for the ceilings. Using 4-litre buckets, you will need about 7–10 wall paint buckets and 3–4 ceiling paint buckets, totalling 10–14 buckets overall.

Coverage varies by paint quality and surface porosity. Standard emulsion (e.g., Dulux, Berger, Crown) covers approximately 8–12 sqm per litre on a smooth surface. Cheap paints may cover only 5–7 sqm per litre and require more coats. This calculator uses 10 sqm/litre as a standard estimate — adjust for your brand.

2 coats are standard for already-painted surfaces or very smooth new plaster. For new construction, rough or porous walls, or when changing to a significantly darker/lighter colour, 3 coats give better coverage and durability. Always apply a sealer or primer coat on new plaster before the topcoat.

Emulsion paint prices vary widely: budget brands cost ₦3,000–₦5,000 per 4-litre tin, mid-range (Berger, Dulux) costs ₦6,000–₦12,000 per 4-litre tin, and premium paints (Sherwin-Williams, Farrow & Ball) can cost ₦15,000+ per 4 litres. 20-litre drums are more economical for large projects.

Yes. Ceiling paint is typically flat/matt white with higher coverage and is designed to hide imperfections on overhead surfaces. Wall paint can be matt, silk or gloss. In Nigerian bathrooms and kitchens, use a semi-gloss or gloss paint that resists moisture and is easier to clean.