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Ink Mixing Calculator — Custom Print Colour Ratios
Work out ink mixing ratios by weight or volume for custom print colours.
How We Calculate This
How Ink Mixing Calculation Works
Amount = Total × (Parts of one colour ÷ Sum of all parts)
Enter the proportion (in parts) of each colour component. The calculator normalises those parts against your total amount and gives the exact weight or volume to weigh out for each component, plus a simplified whole-number ratio you can record and reuse. Mixing by weight to 0.1 g gives the most reproducible colour match across an edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Weight is more accurate and reproducible — use a digital scale reading to 0.1 g. Volume measurements work but are less precise due to ink viscosity. Professional print workshops always mix by weight.
Record the exact ratio and brand/type of each ink used. Weigh each component precisely. Mix thoroughly until streak-free. Make a swatch and label it with the recipe. Always mix slightly more than you need.
Add white (transparent or opaque) to lighten a colour. Start with the lighter colour and add the darker gradually. White affects the opacity of the mix — too much white makes colours chalky. For tints, start at 10-20% white.
Calculate the ink needed using the Ink Coverage Calculator, then add 30% for mixing waste and test prints. Always mix enough for the entire edition plus proofs in one batch — matching mixed colours later is very difficult.
Mix within the same ink type (oil-based with oil-based, water-based with water-based). Different brands of the same type usually mix well, but test first. Never mix oil-based and water-based inks.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.