Small vs Large DTF Print Cost: A Clear Pricing Example

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How much does a small DTF print cost compared with a large one? Even with the same artwork, making the image larger can change its price. Here are three sizes and a simple example for an order of 20 shirts.

A DTF transfer is a design prepared on film, then applied to a shirt with heat. This guide separates the transfer cost from the full cost of making and selling a shirt.

Measure the artwork first

Imagine a rectangle around your artwork. You need its width and height. If it is 3 inches wide and 3 inches high, multiply 3 × 3: that is 9 square inches.

One inch equals 2.54 cm. If the supplier charges per square inch, convert measurements before multiplying. Do not multiply centimeters by an inch-based rate.

A published rate to start the example

Transfer Express lists individual UltraColor Max images from $0.06 per square inch. Its 2026 price guide shows that rate for 1–24 images and a $0.35 minimum per piece. We will compare 20 images, before shipping, tax and extras.

Reference checked November 1, 2026. This is one US supplier’s rate for one product, not a universal DTF price. Confirm your total in a quote before buying. All amounts below are USD.

These are calculations using the stated rate. All three sizes exceed the published per-piece minimum. “Small,” “medium” and “large” are labels for our examples, not required print dimensions for every shirt.

A $7.20 transfer is not a $7.20 finished shirt

You still need to count the blank shirt, packaging and work. We will use the following other costs. They are made up for practice, not store prices.

• Blank shirt: $4 each.
• Pay for your work: $1.50 each.
• Packaging: $0.50 each.
• Other costs: $0.50 each.
• Whole-order shipping: $10. Split between 20 shirts, that is $0.50 each.

These costs add up to $7 per shirt before the transfer. Now add each print size:

The final column also subtracts an assumed 5% selling fee: $15 × 0.05 = $0.75. For the large print, that means $15 − $14.20 − $0.75 = $0.05. A shirt can look great and leave almost nothing if you forget the print size.

Try the example in the calculator

1. Enter 20 shirts and choose USD.
2. Enter 4 for the blank shirt, 1.50 for work, 0.50 for packaging and 0.50 for other costs.
3. Enter 10 in whole-order costs.
4. Try 0.54, 4.80 or 7.20 for the print, depending on size.
5. Enter selling price 15, fee 5 and desired earnings 5.
6. Press Calculate after each change.

With the large print, the calculated price to leave $5 per shirt is $20.22, rounded up. That is the result of this example, not a guarantee that buyers will pay that price.

Common questions

Does twice the width mean twice the cost?

The height matters too. If you double both width and height, the rectangle has four times the area. Always check both measurements.

What if I order 25 or more?

The rate used here may change with quantity. Ask for the exact size and number of pieces. Do not automatically apply a 20-piece example to another order.

Can I put several designs on one sheet?

Some suppliers sell sheets containing several designs, often called gang sheets. Request a separate quote and compare the delivered cost per usable print. The whole-sheet price alone is not enough.

Does the cover show a real finished print?

The cover is an illustrative image created to compare sizes. To judge the finish, order a supplier sample and test it on your garment.

Before sending the customer a price

Confirm print size, quantity, shipping and extras. Ask the customer to approve the size. Keep the quote, and run the numbers again if the artwork changes from small to large.

If you want to print in your own shop, read buying a DTF printer versus ordering transfers. To finish your shirt costs, use the free t-shirt pricing calculator.