DTF & Shop Cost
DTF Cost Calculator
Estimate film, ink, powder, labour and suggested sell price per print.
How it works
Material subtotal = film + ink + powder (per design or per sheet share).Add labour minutes × labour rate.
Apply waste % to materials.
Unit cost = (materials with waste + labour) / quantity basis you choose.
Sell price = unit cost × (1 + markup%) or cost ÷ (1 − margin%), depending on how you quote.
Worked example
10 × 12 in design = 120 in² = 0.833 ft².Film at $0.45/ft² ≈ $0.37.
Ink $0.35 + powder $0.15 = $0.50.
Materials ≈ $0.87. With 10% waste ≈ $0.96.
Plus $0.75 labour ≈ $1.71 unit cost.
Suggested sell at 2.5× ≈ $4.28.
Pricing tips
| Situation | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| New shop building reviews | Start near 2×–2.5× cost |
| Rush / one-off jobs | Add setup fee, not only markup |
| Wholesale bulk | Lower markup, protect floor cost |
Frequently asked questions
Should blank garment cost be included?
Add garment cost separately when quoting finished shirts. This tool focuses on transfer production cost.
Why is waste percentage important?
Misprints, purge and edge trim eat margin. A 5–15% buffer is common until you measure your real waste.
Should labour include press time?
Yes if you sell pressed garments. For transfer-only sales, include print/powder/cure labour but not garment press unless you offer it.
How do I handle gang sheets?
Estimate sheet fill with the Gang Sheet Calculator, then assign each design its share of sheet cost here.
What waste % is realistic?
New shops often need 10–20% until profiles stabilize. Track misprints for a month and set waste from your own log.
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Last updated Oct 7, 2026