Calculator
Finish coverage calculator
Enter your project’s surfaces, the number of coats, and a finish. You get the area, how much finish each coat and the whole job need, and the maker’s recoat and cure times. Coverage varies with the wood and how you apply it, so always follow the label.
Your project
JavaScript is off, so this page cannot do the math for you. Use the coverage table below: divide your square feet by the coverage per gallon, then multiply by the number of coats.
If you fill this in, it replaces the parts above.
Area to finish —
Per coat —
All coats —
Buy at least —
Coverage used: —
Recoat: —
Use and cure: —
Source: —
Enter at least one part with length, width and faces above zero (or a total area), and 1 or more coats.
Want a coat-by-coat timeline? Use the finish drying time and coat schedule.
Why your amount may differ
- Coverage on a can is an estimate. Open-grained or thirsty wood, end grain, the first coat on bare wood, sanding sealers, and thick coats all use more. Spraying wastes more than brushing or wiping.
- Where the maker gives a range, we use the low end so you are less likely to run short. Even so, buy a little extra.
- Products change. Check the coverage, recoat and cure times on the can you buy, and follow the label: it wins over anything here.
- Each product is one example of its finish type. Other brands of the same type can cover and dry quite differently.
The math
Square feet = length × width × faces ÷ 144 for each part (inches), added up. Gallons per coat = square feet ÷ the maker’s coverage in square feet per gallon. Total = gallons per coat × coats. 1 gallon = 4 quarts = 128 fluid ounces.
Worked example
A 48″ × 30″ tabletop, both faces: 48 × 30 × 2 ÷ 144 = 20 sq ft. Minwax Polycrylic covers about 125 sq ft per quart (500 per gallon), so one coat needs 20 ÷ 500 = 0.04 gallon, about 5.1 fl oz. Three coats need 0.12 gallon, about 15.4 fl oz or 0.48 quart, so one quart is enough.
Published coverage and times
| Finish type | Product | Coverage used (sq ft per gallon) | Recoat | Use and cure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-based polyurethane | Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane | 500 (about 125 sq ft per quart) | 3–4 hours (the directions say let dry 4–6 hours), then sand lightly (220 grit) before the next coat | 24 hours before light use. On floors: 72 hours before heavy traffic or furniture, 7 days before rugs or cleaning. The page gives no full-cure time. |
| Water-based polyurethane / acrylic | Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish | 500 (about 125 sq ft per quart) | at least 2 hours, then sand lightly (220 grit) before the next coat | 3 hours before light handling, 24 hours before normal use. The page gives no full-cure time. |
| Tung-oil-type wiping finish | Minwax Tung Oil Finish | 500 (125–150 sq ft per quart; we use 125) | 24 hours | Not stated on the product page. Follow the label. |
| Shellac (dewaxed) | Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat | 400 (400–600 sq ft per gallon practical coverage; we use 400) | first coat on bare wood 20–30 minutes; later coats about 1 hour | Not stated on the data sheet. Follow the label. |
| Brushing lacquer | Deft Clear Wood Finish (brushing lacquer) | 500 (“up to” 500 sq ft per gallon, not counting losses from porosity or application, so plan on extra) | 2 hours | Not stated on the data sheet. Follow the label. |
| Primer (water-based) | Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer | 350 (350 sq ft per gallon on porous surfaces such as bare wood, 450 on non-porous; we use 350) | topcoat after 1 hour (24 hours over bare cedar or redwood) | full adhesion and hardness in 7 days |
What is not here
Danish oil is not listed because the data sheet we found says coverage “varies with type and porosity of wood” and gives no number. Paint is not listed because topcoat coverage varies too much between products for one figure. We include a finish only when the maker publishes a coverage figure.
Safety
Work with good ventilation and follow the label's safety directions. Brushing lacquer such as Deft is flammable: keep it away from heat, sparks and flame, and provide fresh air during and after use. For shellac such as SealCoat, the data sheet says to provide adequate ventilation and wear a NIOSH-approved respirator. Rags used with linseed, tung, Danish oil or other oil-based finishes can heat up and catch fire on their own: right after use, lay them flat to dry outdoors away from buildings, or put them in a metal can filled with water with a tight lid, then dispose of them as the label and local rules say. The Deft lacquer label gives the same warning for its soaked rags.
Sources
Coverage, recoat and cure figures are from each maker's data sheet or product page as of October 25, 2026; follow the current label.
- Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane product page and directions (minwax.com) (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish product page and directions (minwax.com) (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Minwax Tung Oil Finish product page and directions (minwax.com) (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat technical data sheet BEY-07 (Rust-Oleum) (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Deft Clear Wood Finish technical data sheet DFT010 (PPG) (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 technical data sheet BEY123-01 (Rust-Oleum) (external site, opens in a new tab)
This tool gives estimates for planning only. It is not professional advice. Product names are trademarks of their owners; we're not affiliated with them. Always follow your product's label and the maker's instructions.
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