Which paint is cheaper per square metre?

Divide pack price by litres to get €/L, then multiply by litres needed per m² (coats ÷ coverage). Example: €40 for 5 L at 10 m²/L with 2 coats → (40/5) × (2/10) = €1.60/m². Always include the number of coats your surface needs — bare plaster often wants 3, a recoat over similar colour may need 1.

Use the m²/L per coat printed on the tin — interior emulsion is typically 8–12, exterior facade paint 4–6, wood varnish 10–14. If the label is vague, use 10 for smooth interior walls and 5 for rough exterior render. When in doubt, assume the worse (lower) yield — that is the conservative cost estimate.

Not always, but premium lines often win on real m² cost because yield and opacity are higher — fewer coats, fewer litres. The comparison that matters is €/m² for your specific project, not €/litre on the shelf. A mid-range paint with excellent yield can beat a budget brand that needs an extra coat.

Yes — same formula. Primers are often one coat with yield around 10 m²/L; floor lacquer may need three coats at ~10 m²/L. Enter each product’s actual coats and coverage; comparing primer A vs primer B the same way stops you overpaying on the undercoat.