DTF & Shop Cost
Screen Print Ink Estimator
Rough ink usage and cost from print area, coverage, colors and quantity.
How it works
Effective print area = width × height × coverage%.Oz per print per color ≈ area × oz per in² (calibrate this constant from your shop).
Total oz = oz/print/color × colors × quantity.
Ink $ = total oz × cost per oz.
Underbase usually counts as an extra color for both ink and screen setup.
Worked example
12×14 at 40% coverage ≈ 67.2 in². With defaults, multiply by colors and quantity for total oz.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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Last updated Oct 7, 2026