How do I measure my press bed size?

Measure the width between the rollers and the usable length of the bed. For etching presses, measure between the side rails. For screen printing, measure the inside dimensions of the frame.

Why is the printable area smaller than the bed?

You need margin for the roller overlap, blankets, registration and paper handling. Etching presses need about 30 mm each side, relief presses 20 mm, and litho presses 25 mm.

Can I print larger than my press?

You can print slightly larger by feeding paper diagonally (for narrow pieces) or by using reduction/jigsaw techniques with multiple plates. However, even pressure across the image is critical for quality.

What paper sizes are standard for printmaking?

Common UK printmaking papers come in full sheets: Somerset and BFK Rives at 560 x 760 mm, Fabriano at 500 x 700 mm. These can be torn to size. Always tear (not cut) for a traditional deckle edge.

Does paper weight affect the printable area?

No, but heavier paper (300+ gsm) requires more pressure and may need the blankets adjusted. Very thin paper (below 150 gsm) can stretch or wrinkle if not handled carefully.

ArtCalcs

Print Area Calculator — Maximum Printable Area

Calculate the maximum printable area for your press or screen.

Press Bed Width

Usable width between the side rails the roller spans

Press Bed Height

Usable bed length the rollers can travel

Press Type

Paper Width

Standard: 560 mm

Paper Height

Standard: 760 mm

How We Calculate This

How Print Area Calculation Works

Max print area = Press bed − roller/blanket margins (both axes)

The press bed dimensions are reduced by the required margin for each press type. In practice the binding constraint is the bed length — paper needs a lead-in and lead-out under the roller — so the side margin is treated the same here to keep the estimate conservative. You can usually print closer to the full roller width than this figure suggests. The maximum image size also accounts for the paper margin you keep clear for numbering and signing, and the calculator checks whether your chosen paper fits the press. The recommended blanket cut leaves the usual 12 mm side / 25 mm end clearance so the felts expand under pressure instead of buckling.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Work out printmaking paper dimensions with correct margins and bleed allowance. Standard bottom-weighted margins for presentation.

Registration Calculator

Calculate registration mark positions for multi-colour printmaking alignment. Covers kento, pin and corner registration methods.

Plate Size Calculator

Work out etching, lino or woodcut plate dimensions including bevel allowance, handling margins and weight. Free online calculator.

Last updated: February 2026

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