Home › DTF › DTF Cost Per Print: How Much Does a DTF Transfer Cost to Make?
Short answer: Your DTF cost per print is film + ink + powder + labor for the area you print. Film is the easiest to calculate: a CobraFlex 24" × 328 ft hot-peel roll ($195.95) works out to about 60¢ per running foot, or roughly 0.2¢ per square inch. Ink is the variable — heavy white underbase uses the most — and your RIP software can report ink used per job. Powder is a small share because the shaker recycles the excess.
Film cost (worked example)
| Item | Math | Result |
|---|
| 24" × 328 ft film roll | $195.95 ÷ 328 ft | ≈ $0.60 per running foot |
| One running foot of 24" film | 24" × 12" = 288 sq in | ≈ $0.0021 per sq in |
| 11" × 11" chest print (121 sq in) | 121 × $0.0021 | ≈ $0.25 film |
| Gang sheet: 6 left-chest logos per foot | $0.60 ÷ 6 | ≈ $0.10 film per logo |
Ink and powder
- Ink: CobraFlex DTF ink is $73–$76 per liter. Usage depends on coverage and white density — use your RIP’s ink estimate for each design, or send us a file and we will estimate it.
- Powder: 1 kg is $33.95; only powder that sticks to wet ink is used — the shaker recycles the rest.
- Labor and press time: often the biggest cost — gang sheets and a dual heat press cut it the most.
Lower your cost per print
- Nest designs tightly on gang sheets.
- Use a white choke and the right white density.
- Buy film and powder by the case — ask about our discounts.
Run the numbers for your own designs: use our DTF printing cost calculator — enter your size and coverage and it adds up film, ink and powder with current CobraFlex prices.
FAQ
How much does a DTF transfer cost to make?
Film for an 11"×11" print is about 28¢ on a 24" CobraFlex roll; add ink (design-dependent), a little powder and labor.
How do I price DTF transfers?
Most shops price by the running foot of gang sheet or by transfer size, at several times material cost to cover labor, waste and equipment.
Is DTF cheaper than screen printing?
For short runs and many colors, yes. For large single-design runs, screen printing wins. See plastisol vs DTF.
Do you sell film by the case?
Yes — call (480) 229-7806 for case pricing and standing orders.
Talk to the DTF team at Buckets of Ink — Tempe, AZ, since 1981. Ask about our discounts, starter packages and great financing — we'll help you get into your next machine.
Build a quote · Call
(480) 229-7806 · Showroom: 906 S Priest Dr, Suite 101, Tempe AZ 85281 (local pickup + free weekly Phoenix-metro delivery on supply orders).
Related guides: Cost to start a DTF business · DTF film · Best DTF ink
