Calculating Coverage
of a Coating

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Q:  How do I calculate coating coverage? 

A:  To calculate coverage of a coating the equation is very simple and is given below:

Coverage (ft2/gal) = 1604 ft2/gal/mil x % Volume Solids x %Transfer Efficiency
DFT (mils)

The factor 1604 is the area that one solid gallon can cover when it is applied at a film thickness of 1 mil (0.001”). 

1 gal = 0.13368 ft3 = area (ft2) x thickness (ft)

1 ft = 12,000 mils

1 gal/mil = 0.133368 ft3/mil = area ft2 x 1 ft
12,000 mil

Area ft2/gal/mil = 0.13368 ft3/gal x 12,000 mils/ft = 1,604 ft2/gal/mil

Example:

The volume solids of a coating is 52% and the transfer efficiency of the spray application is 35%, what is the coverage if you apply the coating dry film thickness is 1.5 mil?

Coverage (ft2/gal) = 1604 ft2/gal/mil x % Volume Solids x %Transfer Efficiency
DFT (mils)

Coverage (ft2/gal) = 1604 ft2/gal/mil x 0.52 x 0.35 
1.5 (mil) = 194.5 ft2/gal

If you want to calculate the coverage in metric units the conversion factors are as follows;

1 ft = 0.3048 m
1 US gal = 3.7854 L
1 micron = 10-6 L 
1 mil = 25.4 microns
1 m3 = 1,000 L
Volume solids and transfer efficiency do not have units.

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