Tattoo Cost Estimator
Estimate your tattoo cost based on size, style, and artist hourly rate.
Includes shop minimum, session time, and total budget.
Estimated Tattoo Cost
Tattoo pricing is based primarily on the artist’s hourly rate and how long your piece will take to complete. Most shops also have a minimum charge — even a tiny tattoo won’t cost less than that minimum.
The formula:
Estimated Cost = Max(Shop Minimum, Estimated Hours × Hourly Rate)
Estimated hours by size and style:
| Size | Simple / Line Work | Color / Shading | Realism / Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny (coin-sized) | 0.5–1 hr | 1–1.5 hrs | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Small (palm-sized) | 1–2 hrs | 2–3 hrs | 3–4 hrs |
| Medium (hand-sized) | 3–5 hrs | 4–7 hrs | 6–9 hrs |
| Large (forearm/calf) | 5–8 hrs | 7–12 hrs | 10–16 hrs |
| Extra Large (sleeve/back) | 10–20 hrs | 15–30 hrs | 20–40 hrs |
Typical artist hourly rates:
- Budget/apprentice artist: $50–$100/hr
- Experienced artist: $100–$200/hr
- Specialist/renowned artist: $200–$350/hr
- Celebrity/world-class artist: $300–$500+/hr
Style affects complexity and time:
- Line work / fine line: Fast — clean lines, no fill
- Traditional / neo-traditional: Moderate — bold outlines, flat color
- Watercolor: Moderate-high — layered washes, blending
- Color realism: High — layered color, photo-realistic shading
- Black and grey realism: High — detailed shading and gradients
- Geometric / dotwork: High — time-intensive precision
Tips to keep cost reasonable:
- A well-designed, pre-drawn reference image reduces drawing time (and cost)
- Simple placements (flat skin, not joints) are faster to tattoo
- Healing sessions or touch-ups may add extra cost — ask upfront
- Tipping 15–20% is standard in the industry for good work
- Large pieces are often done in multiple sessions — budget accordingly
Shop minimum is the lowest price any tattoo costs at that shop. It covers supplies, setup time, and sterilization regardless of size. Most shops charge $50–$150 minimum.