How the Paint Converter Works
The Paint Converter divides paint mass by the density on the manufacturer data sheet. The default 1.35 kg/L fits interior latex wall paint.
Find the paint density
Check the technical data sheet (TDS) or SDS for density in kg/L, g/cm³ or lb/gal.
Enter the paint mass
Type the net paint weight in kilograms, without the tin.
Read the liters
The result shows how much paint you have by volume.
Estimate coverage
Multiply liters by the spread rate on the tin, such as 10–12 m² per liter.
Paint Converter Formula
The paint formula is V = m ÷ ρpaint. Theoretical coverage depends on volume solids and dry film thickness (DFT).
- ρpaint
- Paint density from the data sheet, kg/L
- DFT
- Dry film thickness per coat, micrometers
Worked Examples
- Leftover paint: 3.2 kg ÷ 1.35 = 2.37 L.
- Coverage: 10 × 38% ÷ 35 µm = 10.9 m²/L.
- US data sheet at 11.2 lb/gal: 11.2 ÷ 8.345 = 1.342 kg/L.
Paint Converter Conversion Table
1 liter of interior latex paint weighs about 1.35 kg (11.3 lb per US gal). The table lists 8 paint types.
| Paint Type | Density (kg/L) | lb per US gal | Liters per 1 kg | 5 L tin (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alkyd gloss enamel | 1.150 | 9.60 | 0.870 | 5.75 |
| Alkyd / oil-based satin | 1.200 | 10.01 | 0.833 | 6.00 |
| Latex semi-gloss | 1.250 | 10.43 | 0.800 | 6.25 |
| Exterior acrylic | 1.300 | 10.85 | 0.769 | 6.50 |
| Interior latex eggshell | 1.350 | 11.27 | 0.741 | 6.75 |
| Interior latex flat | 1.400 | 11.68 | 0.714 | 7.00 |
| Ceiling white (flat) | 1.450 | 12.10 | 0.690 | 7.25 |
| Road marking paint | 1.600 | 13.35 | 0.625 | 8.00 |
What is a Paint Converter?
A Paint Converter is a calculator that converts paint weight into volume using the density printed on the paint data sheet.
Paint contains binder, pigment, solvent or water, and additives. Titanium dioxide pigment weighs 4.2 kg/L and fillers such as calcium carbonate weigh 2.7 kg/L, so pigment-rich flat paints are the heaviest.
Glossy paints carry more binder and less pigment. More binder lowers density, which is why a gloss enamel can weigh 20% less per liter than a flat ceiling paint.
What are the Uses of a Paint Converter?
There are 4 main uses of a Paint Converter.
Leftover stock checks
Painters weigh partly used tins to see how many liters remain.
Spray rig setup
Contractors convert drum weights into pump volume.
Shipping
Shippers convert liters into kg for freight and hazmat limits.
VOC reporting
Compliance teams convert g/L limits into kg used.