Calculate paint mixing ratios: enter parts such as 4:1 or 4:1:1 and a batch size to get base, activator or hardener, and reducer or thinner amounts.

Use the ratio and the volume or weight basis from the product’s data sheet.

Fills the parts below. Always check your product’s data sheet.

Optional reducer and extra batch
Blank means no component C. Enter parts, not a percentage.

Blank adds no extra. Applies to the desired total.

Paint Ratio Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a paint ratio:

PR = PB / PT; ratio = PR : 1
  • PR is the numerical base-to-thinner quotient; the ratio is written PR : 1
  • PB is the number of parts base
  • PT is the number of parts thinner

For a two-component base/thinner ratio, divide base parts by thinner parts and write the result relative to 1. For a batch from A:B:C parts, divide the prepared total by A+B+C and multiply by each component part. Use only the component identities, ratio and volume or weight basis specified by the product technical data sheet.

What is a paint ratio?

Definition:

A paint ratio is a measure of how much paint base there is relative to how much thinner there is within a paint mixture. These ratios are often expressed as parts base per 1 part thinner.

Sometimes, the paint ratio includes hardener and the ratio is a three-part ratio, i.e., 4:2:1.

How to calculate a paint ratio?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines how to calculate a paint ratio.

First, determine the number of parts of the base in the paint mixture. In this example, there are 20 parts base.

Next, determine the number of parts of thinner. In this case, there are 5 parts thinner.

Finally, calculate the paint ratio using the formula above:

PR = PB / PT; ratio = PR : 1

PR = 20 / 5 = 4

Ratio = 4:1. For this two-component example, enter Base / component A parts = 4, component B parts = 1, and no component C; component B represents the thinner here. A known base amount of 20 gives 5 of component B and 25 total in the same units. This is an arithmetic example, not a product mixing recommendation.