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Tools/Painting Calculator

Painting & Decorating Cost Calculator

Work out exactly what your painting project will cost - including how many tins of paint you actually need. No email required, no lead wall. Just the numbers.

Multi-room supportWindow & door deductionsDIY vs pro comparison
Professional painter decorating a room in a UK home
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How this calculator works

Our painting calculator estimates the cost of painting one or more rooms based on the room dimensions, ceiling height, number of windows and doors (which are deducted from the wall area), and the type of work needed. You choose whether you want walls only, walls and ceiling, or a full job including woodwork like skirting boards, door frames, and window frames.

The tool calculates the exact amount of paint you need in litres, based on standard coverage rates of 12 square metres per litre per coat. It prices both a DIY option (paint and materials only) and a professional option (including a decorator's labour at typical UK day rates). Multiple rooms can be added to get a whole-house estimate.

Paint prices are based on mid-range trade emulsion and gloss, though your actual spend will vary if you choose premium brands. Professional decorator rates are adjusted for your region. These estimates are a handy guide for budgeting, but always get a written quote from a decorator who has seen the rooms in person, as prep work can significantly affect the final price.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to paint a room in the UK?
A professional painter typically charges between £180 and £350 per day depending on region, and can paint roughly 30-40m² of wall area per day (two coats). A standard bedroom costs around £200-£400 for walls only, or £300-£600 including ceiling, skirting, and door frames.
How much paint do I need for a room?
Standard emulsion covers about 12m² per litre per coat. For a medium bedroom (3.5m × 4m) with standard ceiling height, you need roughly 5-6 litres for two coats of wall paint, or 2-3 tins of 2.5L paint.
Is it cheaper to paint a room yourself?
DIY painting typically saves 60-75% compared to hiring a professional. You only pay for paint and supplies (brushes, rollers, dust sheets, masking tape), which usually comes to £30-£50 on top of paint costs. The trade-off is time - expect a DIY job to take roughly twice as long as a professional.
How long does it take to paint a room?
A professional painter can typically finish a standard room (walls, ceiling, woodwork) in one day. For DIY, allow 2-3 days per room including prep, two coats, and drying time between coats.

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