Paint coverage: match the label's unit
Choose metres and litres when the label gives m²/L. In feet and US gallons, enter coverage in ft² per US gallon. The Canadian Benjamin Moore calculator also offers metric and US options.
Use the actual wall area, openings and number of coats for your project. A ceiling needs its own area when included. Copy the stated container volume instead of assuming every can described casually as a gallon has the same capacity.
Flooring boxes and curtain fabric
For flooring labelled in square feet, keep the room and box coverage in square feet. A 240 sq ft room with a chosen 10% allowance needs 264 sq ft. Boxes covering 20 sq ft require 14 boxes, giving 280 sq ft in total.
For curtains, check whether the fabric price is per metre or per yard. Enter the rod width, finished drop, fullness and usable fabric width. Hem, heading and pattern-repeat allowances affect cut length, so finished-panel dimensions alone are not enough.
Potting mix: litres, cubic feet and usable volume
Measure the inside of the planter up to the intended fill line and subtract the space taken by roots. Canadian potting-mix labels may show litres or cubic feet. One cubic foot is about 28.3168 L; convert before comparing it with a litre result.
If a product is compressed, check the manufacturer's stated usable volume instead of assuming an expansion factor. Round the required quantity up to whole bags and enter your price in CAD. Keep delivery and other project supplies separate from this material estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter a price per square foot for flooring?
The cost field takes the price per box. Multiply the advertised price per square foot by the box coverage, then confirm the resulting box price with the seller.
Does US gal mean a Canadian imperial gallon?
No. US gal is a US liquid gallon, about 3.7854 L. An imperial gallon is about 4.5461 L. Use the unit explicitly printed on the product information.