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Whole tins to buy
Dividing litres by the tin size gives the count, which is then rounded up to the next whole tin because part-tins are not sold.
The Formula
Tins = litres / tin size
Dividing litres by the tin size gives the count, which is then rounded up to the next whole tin because part-tins are not sold.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | Tin size | litres | Commonly 5 litres or 10 litres, the fixed pack sizes actually stocked. |
| T | Number of tins | tins | Rounded up, because a fraction of a tin cannot be bought. |
What Each Symbol Means
Slitres
Tin size
Commonly 5 litres or 10 litres, the fixed pack sizes actually stocked.
Ttins
Number of tins
Rounded up, because a fraction of a tin cannot be bought.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate paint coverage page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Paint Coverage, filed under Everyday Life. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.