In this study we present a scheme for calculating the characteristics of multi-layer cloudiness and precipitation for climate models of intermediate complexity (EMICs). This scheme considers three-layer stratiform cloudiness and single column convective clouds. It distinguishes between ice and droplet clouds as well. Precipitation is calculated by using cloud life time, which depends on cloud type and phase as well as on statistics of synoptic and convective disturbances. The scheme is tuned to observations by using an ensemble simulation forced by the ERA-40-derived climatology for 1979–2001. Upon calibration, the scheme realistically reproduces basic features of fields of cloud amounts, cloud water path, and precipitation. The simulated globally and annually averaged total cloud amount is 0.59, and the simulated globally averaged annual precipitation is 109 cm yr<sup>-1</sup>. Both values agree with empirically-derived values. Geographical distribution and seasonal changes of calculated variables are broadly realistic as well. However, some important regional biases still remain in the scheme.