How to Use the Miniature Paint Calculator
Running out of a specific paint color mid-project — especially a custom mix — 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 | ~4–8ml |
| Medium (6–10") | Tanks, dragons, robots | ~20–40ml |
| Large (10"+) | Warships, aircraft, terrain | ~60–130ml |
Frequently Asked Questions
No — primer is separate. One 400ml rattle-can of primer covers roughly 30–50 standard infantry figures. For larger models, budget 1–2 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.