Is it cheaper to buy large tubes of paint?

Almost always yes. The price per ml drops significantly as tube size increases. A 120ml tube typically costs 1.5-2x the price of a 37ml tube but contains 3.2x the paint. For colours you use frequently (white, earth tones), buying 200ml or 500ml sizes saves significant money.

Why do some paint colours cost more than others?

Paint pricing is based on pigment cost. Cadmium, cobalt and genuine ultramarine pigments are expensive to produce. Student-grade paints use cheaper synthetic alternatives. Series numbers (1-5 or A-E) on professional paints indicate the pigment cost tier.

How much paint does a typical painting use?

A medium-sized painting (60x80cm) in acrylics typically uses 50-100ml of paint total across all colours. Oil paintings use slightly less. Large-scale or heavily impasto works can use several hundred ml. White is typically 30-40% of total paint consumption.

ArtCalcs

Paint Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of paint needed for your project based on volume, tube size and price.

Paint Needed

Use the paint volume calculator to work this out

Tube / Tub SizeSize specification

Price per Tube / Tub

Cost per tube / tub

Add wastage

Add extra paint for palette waste and mixing losses

How We Calculate This

Tubes needed = ceil(Total ml needed / Tube size in ml)

Total cost = Tubes needed × Price per tube

When wastage is enabled, 10% is added to the base volume to account for palette waste, dried paint and mixing losses.

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.