How do I estimate ink coverage percentage?

Light images with lots of white space are 10-25% coverage. Medium images with mixed tones are 30-50%. Heavy, dark images are 60-80%. Full-coverage solid prints are 100%. Look at your design and estimate the inked area.

Why does ink type affect consumption?

Screen printing pushes the most ink through the mesh (~0.01 ml/cm²). Intaglio fills deep grooves (~0.008 ml/cm²). Relief printing uses a moderate amount (~0.005 ml/cm²). Lithographic printing uses the thinnest film (~0.003 ml/cm²).

Why add 30% for waste?

Printmaking wastes ink through mixing, test prints, cleaning rollers/squeegees, ink left on the slab, and adjusting consistency. 30% is a practical allowance — complex multi-colour work may waste more.

How much ink is in a standard tube?

Most printmaking ink tubes are 75 ml (e.g., Caligo Safe Wash, Cranfield). Large tins are typically 250 ml or 500 ml. Screen printing ink is sold in larger quantities, often 250 ml to 1 litre.

Can I mix leftover ink?

Yes — leftover printing ink can be saved in airtight containers. Oil-based inks last months if stored properly. Water-based inks may dry out faster. Mix leftovers into neutral colours for future use.

ArtCalcs

Ink Coverage Calculator — Printing Ink Needed

Calculate the amount of printing ink needed based on image area and coverage.

Image Width

Image Height

Coverage

% of image area covered with ink

Number of Prints

Ink Type / Technique

How We Calculate This

How Ink Coverage Calculation Works

Ink needed = Covered area x Ink rate x Number of prints x 1.3 waste

The image area is multiplied by the coverage percentage to get the inked area. This is multiplied by the ink consumption rate (which varies by technique) and the edition size, plus 30% waste allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

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