How to Use the Miniature Paint Calculator
Running out of a specific paint color mid-project β especially a custom mix β is one of the most frustrating experiences in miniature painting. Enter your model size, desired detail level, and number of colors to estimate total paint needed and how many standard-size pots to buy per color. Airbrush users need more working volume (thinner included), which the calculator accounts for.
Paint Quantity by Model Size (Midgrade Detail)
| Size | Examples | Est. Total Paint |
|---|---|---|
| Small (28mm) | Warhammer infantry, D&D minis | ~4β8ml |
| Medium (6β10") | Tanks, dragons, robots | ~20β40ml |
| Large (10"+) | Warships, aircraft, terrain | ~60β130ml |
Frequently Asked Questions
No β primer is separate. One 400ml rattle-can of primer covers roughly 30β50 standard infantry figures. For larger models, budget 1β2 cans depending on surface area.
The actual paint consumed is similar, but airbrushing uses significantly more thinner. Total working volume (paint + thinner) is higher for airbrush, which is why the calculator shows a separate diluted volume.