How much paint is in a half pan?

A standard half pan holds approximately 1.5 ml of dried watercolour paint. A full pan holds 3 ml. The actual amount varies slightly between manufacturers. Winsor & Newton, Schmincke and Daniel Smith all use standard pan sizes.

How long does a half pan last?

With moderate use (2 paintings per week), a half pan lasts approximately 6-12 months for most colours. Heavily used colours like Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna run out faster. White and light colours last longest.

Are tubes or pans better value?

Tubes are significantly better value per ml of paint. A 5 ml tube costs similar to a half pan but contains 3.3x more paint. Tubes also let you squeeze out fresh, creamy paint for strong washes. Pans are more portable.

Can I refill pans from tubes?

Yes — squeeze tube paint into empty or depleted pans and let it dry between layers. Build up 3-4 thin layers over a few days for a smooth, crack-free pan. This is the most economical way to maintain a palette.

Which colours run out fastest?

Frequently used mixing colours run out first: primary blue (Ultramarine/Cobalt), primary red (Alizarin/Quinacridone) and earth colours (Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber). Consider buying these in tubes and less-used colours in pans.

ArtCalcs

Half Pan Calculator — How Long Will It Last?

Calculate how many paintings you can get from a half pan or full pan of watercolour.

Pan Type

Usage Intensity

Paintings per Week

How We Calculate This

How Pan Life Calculation Works

Paintings per pan = Pan volume / Usage per painting

A half pan holds 1.5 ml, a full pan 3 ml. Usage per painting varies: light use (washes only) ~0.03 ml, moderate ~0.06 ml, heavy (impasto-like application) ~0.12 ml. The calculator divides pan volume by usage rate and your painting frequency.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.