How to use (3 steps)
- Pick Metric or US units and enter volume solids (v/v%). Density is optional but needed for mass outputs.
- Choose B-3 to start from design DFT or WFT, or B-4 to start from actual consumption per area (volume or mass).
- Results refresh automatically. Adjust inputs as needed and use Copy URL to share the same setup.
A practical sample is preloaded so a result appears immediately.
Settings
Use the volume solids on the product data sheet.
Optional. Enter to show mass per area.
B-3: DFT/WFT & theoretical coverage
Volume solids link DFT and WFT: DFT = WFT × VS% / 100. Coverage = 10 × VS% ÷ DFT (µm).
B-4: Consumption → actual DFT
Volume used per area (L/m² or gal/ft²).
Mass used per area (kg/m² or lb/ft²). Density is required here.
Results
These are theoretical values; real jobs often use more paint due to profile, overlap, overspray, or loss.
Assumes 60% volume solids in metric units. Density is applied for mass outputs.
| Metric | US |
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Interpretation (DFT, WFT, and theoretical coverage)
- WFT (wet film thickness) is measured right after application.
- DFT (dry film thickness) is measured after curing/drying, when the wet film has lost solvents/volatiles.
- Volume solids (v/v%) is the fraction of the wet film that remains as dry film.
Key relations
- DFT = WFT × VS% / 100 (so WFT = DFT × 100 / VS%).
- Theoretical coverage (metric): m²/L = 10 × VS% ÷ DFT (µm).
- Theoretical coverage (US): ft²/gal ≈ 1604 × (VS%/100) ÷ DFT (mil).
Worked example
VS = 60%, target DFT = 100 µm → WFT ≈ 100×100/60 ≈ 167 µm. Theoretical coverage ≈ 10×60/100 = 6.0 m²/L (≈ 244 ft²/gal).
Real consumption is usually higher due to surface profile/roughness, overspray, edge loss, and application efficiency. Use this tool as a planning baseline, then add your project allowances.
References
Related calculators
FAQ
Which volume solids value should I enter?
Use the volume solids (v/v%) from the product data sheet. If multiple ranges are given, start with the typical value.
Why is theoretical and actual consumption different?
Profile, surface roughness, edge loss, overspray, and spray efficiency usually make real consumption higher than the theoretical value shown here.
Can this handle multiple coats?
This tool assumes one coating layer at a time. For multi-coat systems, calculate each layer separately and add the DFT totals.