Home & DIY Calculators

Wood Stain Calculator

Enter your surface area, coverage rate, and number of coats to calculate gallons needed, rounded up to the nearest quarter-gallon.

2.00 gallons

Exact need: 2.00 gal · Estimated cost: $70.00

Rounds up to the nearest quarter-gallon so you don't run short mid-project. Coverage rates vary widely by wood porosity and stain type — check the can's label for the manufacturer's stated rate.

How to use this tool

  1. 1Enter the total surface area in square feet.
  2. 2Enter the stain's coverage rate (sq ft per gallon) from the can label.
  3. 3Enter how many coats you plan to apply.
  4. 4See gallons needed and estimated cost.

Frequently asked questions

Why does coverage rate vary so much between stains?+

Coverage depends heavily on wood porosity, whether it's new or previously finished wood, and the stain's opacity — always use the rate printed on your specific product's label for the most accurate estimate.

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