How much should I charge for a commission?

Start with your base artwork price for the size, then adjust for complexity. A detailed portrait with background is worth more than a simple headshot. Add revision fees, rush charges and licensing as appropriate.

What deposit should I ask for?

Most artists request 50% upfront as a non-refundable deposit. This covers your initial time and materials. The balance is due on completion before delivery. Some artists use 30/30/40 splits for larger commissions.

How many free revisions should I include?

One revision round is standard. Include this in your base price. Additional revisions should be charged per round — typically £15-30 per revision depending on complexity. Be clear about this in your terms.

Should I charge more for rush orders?

Yes — a 50% rush surcharge is a common starting point. Rush work disrupts your schedule and may require working evenings or weekends, so 25-50% is typical for deadlines around half your normal turnaround, and double or triple isn't unreasonable for extreme rush. This calculator applies the surcharge to the complexity-adjusted price (base × complexity), not the raw base, so a more involved piece carries a proportionally larger rush fee. Adjust the rate in Advanced Options.

What are licensing fees for artwork?

Personal use is included in the price. Commercial use (business marketing, products, resale) is usually charged as a percentage on top — 50% is a common starting point, and limited commercial rights often run 100-200% of the creation fee. Exclusive rights or full copyright transfer command the most: commonly +100% to +300% (some artists quote 3× the price to part with copyright). This calculator applies the licensing percentage to the complexity-adjusted price and defaults to +50% commercial / +100% exclusive — raise these in Advanced Options for higher-value rights. Always specify usage rights in your contract.

ArtCalcs

Commission Calculator — Quote Builder for Artists

Work out commission pricing including deposits, revisions and licensing fees.

Base Artwork Price

Your standard price for this size

Complexity

Revision Rounds

First round included free

Cost per Extra Revision

Cost per extra revision

Deposit Percentage

Non-refundable upfront deposit (25-50% is standard)

Rush Order

Licensing

How We Calculate This

How Commission Pricing Works

Total = Adjusted base + Revision fees + Rush surcharge + License fee

The base price is first multiplied by a complexity factor (1× simple to 2× complex) to give the adjusted base. Extra revision fees then apply per round beyond the first included revision. The rush surcharge (default 50%) and any licensing fee (default +50% commercial, +100% exclusive) are calculated on the adjusted base — not the raw base — so a more complex piece carries proportionally larger surcharges. The deposit is taken as your chosen percentage of the final total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Artwork Pricing Calculator

Calculate a fair price for your artwork based on size, materials, time and experience level. Covers material costs and labour.

Gallery Commission Calculator

Calculate your take-home amount after gallery commission, VAT and costs. Works for UK galleries with standard commission rates.

Material Cost Calculator

Track and total all material costs for an artwork or project. Includes canvas, paint, brushes, mediums and a waste allowance.

Hourly Rate Calculator

Calculate your effective hourly rate from artwork sales. See what you actually earn per hour after deducting materials and overheads.

Shipping Calculator

Estimate artwork packaging and shipping costs for UK and international delivery. Covers boxes, tubes, crates, insurance and handling.

Last updated: June 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.