How tattoo pricing works
Most artists price small tattoos by size, with a shop minimum, and larger pieces by the hour. This calculator uses sample US mid-market rates:
- Small tattoo: $100 for the first square inch (the minimum), plus $15 for each square inch after. A 2 x 2 inch piece (4 square inches) is $145; a 3 x 3 inch piece (9 square inches) is $220
- Medium or large tattoo: $300 for the first 2 hours, plus $150 for each hour after. A 4-hour piece is $600
- Flash piece: $120 fixed, $100 for each extra piece the same day
- Cover-up: $350 for the first 2 hours, plus $175 for each hour after
- Touch-up: $60, plus $40 for each extra tattoo touched up
Placement and extras add to that: color, a hard spot like ribs, hands, feet or neck, custom design time, travel for mobile artists and an aftercare kit. The result is shown as a range, because the final price depends on the design and is set at the consultation.
Why prices vary
Rates run higher in big cities and for artists with long waitlists, lower in small towns and for newer artists. Detail, color saturation and how the skin takes ink all change the time. Read how much to charge for a tattoo for how artists set these numbers, and the tattoo price estimate by size for common sizes.
For tattoo artists
The same calculator goes on your website with your own minimum, hourly rate and add-ons. Clients see a range at midnight instead of waiting on a DM, and you get the inquiry with the idea, size and placement.