Ink Coverage Calculator
Work out how much ink to mix or order for a print run — enter the print size, quantity, and ink type for grams per print and a total with a waste allowance built in.
Estimated ink needed
How the estimate works
Ink use comes down to volume: the area you’re printing times how thick a layer the ink lays down. Plastisol sits on the fabric surface as a paste, so it needs a thicker wet deposit and is denser than water-based or discharge inks, which are formulated to soak into the fibers. Multiplying that volume by the ink’s density gives a weight per print, and scaling up by your run size gives the total.
No print shop uses every gram of ink they mix — some stays in the screen, some goes into color testing, and some clings to the stencil instead of transferring to the garment. Building in a waste allowance keeps you from running short mid-job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ink coverage estimated?
The calculator converts your print area to square centimeters, multiplies by a typical wet ink deposit thickness for the ink type you picked, and multiplies that volume by the ink's density to get grams per print. Multiplying by the number of prints and adding a waste allowance gives the total ink to buy.
Why does ink type change the estimate?
Plastisol is a thick paste that sits on top of the fabric, so it prints a thicker wet deposit at a higher density than thinner water-based or discharge inks, which are designed to sit into the fibers. The calculator uses different default deposit thickness and density figures for each.
What waste allowance should I use?
15% is a reasonable starting point covering ink left in the screen after printing, ink used mixing and testing color, and stencil hang-up (ink that clings to the emulsion instead of transferring). Runs with frequent color changes or a less experienced printer often need more.
Does mesh count affect how much ink I need?
Yes — a more open, low mesh count lets more ink through per stroke, and a tighter, high mesh count lays down less. This calculator lets you override the default deposit thickness directly if you know your setup prints thicker or thinner than the typical figure.
Educational estimate only. Actual ink use varies with mesh count, squeegee pressure, stencil thickness, and your specific ink brand — always mix a bit extra and keep an eye on the bucket during a long run.