Paint Mass to Volume Calculator
Convert paint bucket weight to liters. Includes densities for Latex, Acrylic, Epoxy, and Oil-based paints for accurate coverage estimation.
About
Professional paints are often sold by weight (kg) in industrial buckets, yet coverage rates are specified in volume (m2/L). Miscalculating the volume of a 20kg drum of epoxy versus a 20kg drum of primer can lead to material shortages on site.
This calculator determines the liquid volume based on the specific gravity (density) of the material. Heavy solids in zinc-rich primers make them far denser than standard latex wall paint. The formula used is V = m ÷ ρ.
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Formulas
Volume is derived inversely from density.
Volume (L)Mass (kg) = ρ
Therefore:
L = kgρ
Where ρ is the specific density of the coating.
Reference Data
| Paint Type | Approx Density (kg/L) | Specific Gravity |
|---|---|---|
| Water (Reference) | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Acrylic Latex (Flat) | 1.30 − 1.45 | 1.38 |
| Acrylic Latex (Gloss) | 1.20 − 1.30 | 1.25 |
| Oil-Based Enamel | 1.10 − 1.25 | 1.18 |
| Epoxy Primer (2-Pack) | 1.45 − 1.60 | 1.50 |
| Zinc Rich Primer | 2.50 − 3.20 | 2.80 |
| Polyurethane Clear | 0.95 − 1.05 | 1.02 |
| Road Marking Paint | 1.50 − 1.70 | 1.60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. Only water is 1 kg/L. Most paints are heavier. For example, 1 kg of latex paint is only about 0.7 liters because its density is around 1.4 kg/L.
Epoxies and industrial primers often contain heavy mineral fillers or metallic dust (like zinc) for durability and corrosion resistance, significantly increasing their density.
Yes, slightly. Adding colorants (universal tinters) usually increases the density marginally, but for general estimation, the base density is sufficient.
Check the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) under "Specific Gravity" or "Density".