DTF & Shop Cost

Screen Print Ink Estimator

Rough ink usage and cost from print area, coverage, colors and quantity.

New here? Jump to how it works · FAQ

in
in
%
pcs
oz
Calibrate from your shop — default is a planning placeholder.
$
Estimate ink ounces and cost from print area, coverage, color count and quantity. Screen quotes fail when ink and underbase are ignored — this gives a planning number before you buy ink or lock a per-piece price.

How it works / formula

Calculation steps

  1. Effective print area = width × height × coverage%.
  2. Oz per print per color ≈ area × oz per in² (calibrate this constant from your shop).
  3. Total oz = oz/print/color × colors × quantity.
  4. Ink $ = total oz × cost per oz.
  5. Underbase usually counts as an extra color for both ink and screen setup.

Worked example

Example (illustrative)

  • 12×14 at 40% coverage ≈ 67.2 in². With defaults, multiply by colors and quantity for total oz.

Assumptions & limitations

This calculator provides an estimate for planning and quoting. Actual results vary with supplier pricing, ink coverage, waste, labour rates, equipment and marketplace fee changes. Always verify critical numbers before production. See the disclaimer.

What changes usage

Factor Effect
Mesh count Higher mesh → less ink
Underbase Adds a full color pass
Flash cure Can increase total ink

Frequently asked questions

Is this exact?

No — it is a planning estimate. Log real usage for 3 jobs and update oz/in².

Is the default oz/in² exact?

No — it is a placeholder. Log real usage on three jobs and update the constant.

Does mesh count matter?

Yes. Higher mesh typically lays less ink. Recalibrate when you change mesh or ink systems.

How do I turn this into a customer price?

Add screens/setup, garments and markup in the Print Pricing Calculator.

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Disclaimer · Last updated Oct 8, 2026