Tattoo price calculator
Find out how much to charge per tattoo session in seconds. Enter the style, size, complexity and your hourly rate — the calculator generates the ideal price. Styles: Blackwork, Realism, Watercolor, Fine Line, Old School, Geometric.
Not sure? The typical range is $150–$300/h.
Guide
How to price tattoos the right way
01
Set your hourly rate
Calculate your monthly fixed costs (rent, supplies, equipment) and divide by hours worked. Add your desired profit margin. That's your floor — never charge below it.
02
Factor in the style
Realism and watercolor take longer and demand more skill. Adjust the multiplier by style: realism can need 50% more hours than a tribal piece of the same size.
03
Always charge a deposit
A booking fee (20–30% of the total) is paid at scheduling and deducted at the session. It filters serious clients and eliminates no-shows that waste your time.
Reference chart: average price by style and size
| Size | Simple | Medium | Realism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (2–4in) | $100–180 | $150–250 | $250–450 |
| Medium (4–8in) | $200–350 | $300–500 | $500–900 |
| Large (8–12in) | $400–650 | $550–1,000 | $1,000–1,800 |
| Half sleeve | $1,000–1,800 | $1,400–2,500 | $2,500–4,500 |
| Full sleeve | $2,000–3,500 | $2,800–5,000 | $5,000–10,000 |
* Reference based on a $200/h average. Adjust for your region and experience.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about pricing
How do I calculate the price of a tattoo session?
Multiply the estimated hours by your hourly rate. Also factor in style (realism takes longer than tribal), size, design complexity and body placement — ribs and hands demand more time and skill.
What is the typical hourly rate for a tattoo artist?
The typical range is $150–$300/h, depending on experience, location, specialty style and demand. Artists with 5+ years and a complex specialty like realism can charge upwards of $400/h.
Should I charge a deposit?
Yes. Charging a booking fee of 20–30% of the total at scheduling time reduces no-shows by up to 80%. The amount is deducted from the total on session day.
How many sessions does a large tattoo need?
Medium-sized tattoos (4–8in) are usually done in 1–2 sessions. Half sleeves take 3–5 sessions, and full sleeves can need 6–10 sessions or more depending on complexity.
How does Tattoofy help with pricing?
Tattoofy automatically sends a quote form to the client — they fill in style, size and references, and you get everything organized to send the price and collect the deposit online, without spreadsheets or lost messages.