Measurement Accuracy: How Calculate The Area Of Your Home?

With Diwali approaching, the excitement of sprucing up our homes is in the air. Cleaning, decorating, and painting are all part of preparing our homes for the festivities. Even if you’re a school student, you can help your parents or the painter uncle with simple maths, specifically by calculating the right amount of paint needed to give your entire house a fresh new look.

Today you'll discover that maths isn't just for the classroom – it's a valuable tool in real-life situations. So, let's explore how maths can guide you in calculating measurements effectively.

Mathematical Basics

Let's discuss some fundamental mathematical concepts that will be useful in this context.

Area Of Different Shapes

>> Rectangles: To find the area of a rectangle, you use the formula:

Area = Length x Width

>> Triangles: For triangles, you use the formula:

Area = ( ½) x Base x Height

>> Circles: To calculate the area of a circle, the formula is:

Area = π x Radius²

>> Squares: The area of a square is given by:

Area = Side x Side

Coverage Rate

The coverage rate is a critical factor in estimating paint quantities. It represents the surface area that a given volume of paint can cover. For example, a coverage rate of 10 square metres per litre means that one litre of paint can cover an area of a metre.

>> Volume calculations are relevant when you need to determine the quantity of paint or primer required.

Volume = Surface Area / Coverage Rate

Percentage

Percentage calculations are useful when considering wastage and adding a margin of error to your paint estimate. To calculate a percentage of a number, you can use the formula:

Percentage = (Part / Whole) x 100

Also check - Use Maths To Understand Your Marks, Chart Your Progress

Measure The Space

To get started, you'll want to measure the areas you plan to paint. Let's explore some examples. You're painting the walls of a rectangular room. The room is 4 metres long, 3 metres wide, and 2.5 metres high. It has two windows, each 1.2 metres by 1.2 metres, and one door that's 2.1 metres by 0.9 metres. What's the total wall area you need to paint?

To find the total wall area, calculate each wall's area (without windows and doors):

• Wall 1 (4 m x 2.5 m) = 10 sq. metres

• Wall 2 (3 m x 2.5 m) = 7.5 sq. metres

• Wall 3 (4 m x 2.5 m) = 10 sq. metres

• Wall 4 (3 m x 2.5 m) = 7.5 sq. metres

Now, find the area of the windows and door:

• Windows (2.88 sq. metres)

• Door (1.89 sq. metres)

Total Wall Area = (10 + 7.5 + 10 + 7.5) sq. metres - (2.88 + 1.89) sq. metres

= 30.23 sq. metres - 4.77 sq. metres

= 25.46 sq. metres

What's the ceiling area in the same room?

The ceiling is just a rectangle. So, its area is

Ceiling Area = Length x Width = 4 m x 3 m = 12 sq. metres

>> Account for Multiple Coats: If you plan to put on more than one coat of paint, consider that in your calculations. Here's how. If you want to apply two coats of paint then:

Total Wall Area = 25.46 sq. metres x 2 = 50.92 sq. metres

For two coats, you'll need to paint 50.92 square metres.

Paint Coverage

Consider the coverage rate i.e. paint can cover 8 square metres per litre. How many litres do you need to cover 50.92 square metres with two coats?

Amount of Paint = Total Wall Area / Coverage Rate

Amount of Paint = 50.92 sq. metres / 8 sq. metres per litre

Amount of Paint (in litres) = 6.36 litres

You'll need about 6.36 litres of paint for two coats.

for ceiling = 12/8 = 1.5 litres

Calculating the Primer

You're priming a wooden surface, and the primer covers 10 square metres per litre. How much primer do you need for a 15-square-metre surface?

Amount of Primer (in litres) = Surface Area / Coverage Rate

Amount of Primer (in litres) = 15 sq. metres / 10 sq. metres per litre

Amount of Primer (in litres) = 1.5 litres

You'll need 1.5 litres of primer for the 15-square-metre surface.

Different paints cover different areas, so you'll want to choose wisely. You can choose between two paints. Paint A covers 8 square metres per litre, and Paint B covers 10 square metres per litre. You have 50.92 square metres to cover with two coats. Which paint should you pick?

Paint A: Amount of Paint = Total Wall Area / Coverage Rate

Amount of Paint = 50.92 sq. metres / 8 sq. metres per litre

Amount of Paint = 6.36 litres

Paint B: Amount of Paint = Total Wall Area / Coverage Rate

Amount of Paint = 50.92 sq. metres / 10 sq. metres per litre

Amount of Paint = 5.09 litres

Now, let's consider the cost. Assume Paint A costs ₹300 per litre, and Paint B costs ₹350 per litre.

For Paint A:

Cost of Paint = Amount of Paint (in litres) x Cost per litre

Cost of Paint = 6.36 litres x ₹300/litre

Cost of Paint = ₹1908

For Paint B:

Cost of Paint = Amount of Paint (in litres) x Cost per litre

Cost of Paint = 5.09 litres x ₹350/litre

Cost of Paint = ₹1781.50

In this case, Paint B is the more cost-effective choice, even though it covers more area.

Always consider a little extra paint for touch-ups and unforeseen issues. A safe bet is to add 10% to 20% extra. Let's calculate the range:

10% of 6.36 litres = 0.10 x 6.36 litres = 0.636 litres

20% of 6.36 litres = 0.20 x 6.36 litres = 1.272 litres

So, consider buying an additional 0.636 to 1.272 litres of paint.

Also check - Understanding Maths To Pay Off Student Loans Quickly

Consulting a Professional

If you're unsure about any part of your paint project, it's always a good idea to seek advice from a professional painter or your local paint store. They can provide valuable insights and ensure you're on the right track.

Estimating the amount of paint you need for your home projects is vital for a successful and budget-friendly painting. By following these simple steps and keeping a little extra paint on hand for unexpected needs, you'll be well-prepared for redecorating your home for the festive season.