Wood Stain Coverage Calculator
Buy the right amount of stain the first time. Enter your project's surface area, the wood's absorbency, and how many coats you plan to apply.
Stain needed
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Adjusted coverage rate (sq ft/gal)—
Gallons per coat—
Total gallons needed—
About this calculator
Calculate how much wood stain you need based on surface area, wood porosity, and number of coats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does porous wood need more stain?
Yes, porous or rough-sawn woods like cedar or reclaimed lumber absorb more stain per square foot than tight-grain woods like maple.
Do I need less stain for a second coat?
Typically the second coat uses somewhat less product since the wood is partially sealed, but this calculator assumes equal coverage per coat for a safe estimate.
How do I measure surface area for stain?
Multiply length by width for flat surfaces; for multi-sided items like furniture, add up all exposed surfaces you plan to stain.