Cost-Per-Print Calculator
Add up what a print run really costs — setup, ink, labor, blanks, and overhead — and see a suggested sale price for the margin you're targeting.
Cost & suggested price
Where the numbers come from
Every print carries a share of the fixed cost of getting the screen ready — reclaiming, coating, and burning a new stencil — plus the ink, labor, and blank garment that go into that one piece, plus a slice of shop overhead. Dividing the fixed setup cost by the quantity is what makes bigger runs noticeably cheaper per piece.
The suggested price divides total cost by (1 − margin) rather than simply adding a markup, so the margin you enter is guaranteed to be that exact share of the final sale price — a distinction that matters more the higher the margin you're aiming for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as 'setup cost' and why does it matter so much?
Setup cost covers reclaiming an old screen, coating it with emulsion, burning the new stencil, and the shop time that takes — a fixed cost no matter how many pieces you print. Spreading it across a bigger run drops the per-print share fast, which is why small runs cost noticeably more per piece than large ones even with identical ink and labor.
Why is margin calculated as a share of the sale price instead of the cost?
Margin-on-price (cost ÷ (1 − margin)) is the common small-business convention because it directly tells you what fraction of every dollar collected is profit. A 40% margin means 40 cents of every sale dollar is profit, which is usually more useful to know than a markup calculated the other way, off cost.
What should I include in 'overhead per print'?
A share of costs that don't fit neatly into ink, labor, or the blank garment — press and dryer electricity, shop rent, equipment depreciation, and consumables like tape and cleaning solvent. A rough per-piece estimate is normal; you don't need perfect cost accounting to price a job sensibly.
Should I always charge the suggested price?
Treat it as a floor, not a rule — it tells you what you need to charge to hit your target margin given your real costs. Market rates, rush fees, and how much a client values a design may all justify charging more; charging less than your true cost per print, on the other hand, is a quiet way to lose money on a job.
Educational estimate only — a starting point for pricing, not accounting or tax advice. Confirm your actual costs, and factor in local taxes and payment-processing fees before quoting a job.