The screen printing ink coverage calculator estimates how much ink you need for a print run based on image size, coverage density, and number of shirts or substrates. Ordering the right amount prevents wasted ink and mid-run shortages.
Screen Printing Ink Calculator
Estimate ink needed per color per print run
How to Calculate Screen Printing Ink Coverage
The screen printing ink coverage calculator estimates total ink usage for any print run by combining print area, coverage density, and number of pieces. Accurate ink planning means you can order or mix the right amount without mid-run shortages.
Step 1: Measure your design dimensions
Enter the width and height of the bounding box of your full print area — not just the inked parts. A 12×14 inch chest print on a shirt uses a 12×14 inch frame window regardless of whether the design fills that area completely. The coverage slider adjusts for how much of that bounding box is actually inked.
Step 2: Set the coverage percentage
Coverage is the percentage of the print area that gets ink. A simple outline logo might be 15–20% coverage. A half-tone design is typically 40–50%. A solid full-color block print is 80–100%. When in doubt, err toward a higher estimate — running short mid-run means re-mixing and color matching, which is harder than having leftover ink.
Step 3: Account for ink type and substrate
Plastisol on dark shirts requires an underbase layer — effectively printing each piece twice. Water-based inks flood through mesh faster and require more ink per pass. The calculator adjusts these factors automatically. For multi-color jobs, the result shows ink per color and total for all colors combined.
Step 4: Order with margin
Screen printing ink is typically sold in 1 quart (946 mL), 1 pint (473 mL), and 1 gallon containers. The calculator shows total mL and oz to help you choose the right container size. Always round up to the next full container — leftover sealed ink keeps for months.
FAQ
Is this screen printing ink calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Enter your design specs to get an instant ink quantity estimate.
Is my data safe and private?
Yes. All calculations run locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
How much ink do I need to screen print 100 shirts?
For a typical chest print (8×10 inches, 80% coverage): approximately 0.01–0.015 oz of plastisol ink per print. For 100 shirts, that's 1–1.5 oz per color before waste. With a 30% waste factor for flood coats, mixing, and squeegee waste, purchase 2–3 oz per color for a safe 100-shirt run. The calculator gives precise estimates for your specific design.
What is coverage percentage in screen printing?
Coverage percentage is how much of the print area is solid ink versus empty (negative space). A solid block of color is 100% coverage. A halftone simulation print may be 50–70% coverage. A fine text design may be only 20–30% coverage. Lower coverage uses proportionally less ink.
What kind of ink do I need for screen printing on shirts?
Plastisol ink is the industry standard for textile screen printing. It doesn't dry unless heat-cured (320°F/160°C), so it won't dry in the screen mid-print. Water-based inks are more environmentally friendly but require faster printing to prevent drying in the screen. Discharge inks work on dark garments by removing dye rather than layering color on top.
How do I clean up unused ink?
Plastisol ink can be returned to the container and stored indefinitely if it hasn't been exposed to UV light. Wipe off excess ink with a card before adding solvent. Water-based inks should be composted or dried and disposed of per local guidelines — don't pour down drains. Never pour inks down drains or into soil.