Tattoo Day Rate Calculator
Enter what you want to keep, how you work with your studio, your costs and the days you want to tattoo. The calculator proposes the day rate those numbers need.
Proposed day rate
Fill in what you want to keep and the days you want to tattoo, and your day rate appears here.
- Revenue the month needs
- To the studio
- Supplies
- Other business costs
- What you keep
How to Calculate a Tattoo Day Rate
It works backwards from what you want to keep. Everything that has to come out of your takings first - the studio's share, your rent or your booth fees, supplies for every day you tattoo, and the other costs of running the business - goes on top of your goal. That's the revenue the month needs. Divide it by the days you want to tattoo, and you have the day rate your numbers require.
If the studio takes a percentage, it takes it from the whole day rate, so the calculator grosses the revenue up to leave you the rest. And it always rounds up, never down, to a number you can actually quote.
Why a Day Rate and Not an Hourly Rate
An hourly rate puts a ceiling on what you can earn, because the only way to grow is to sell more hours. A day rate prices the work and the day you give it, and lets you quote one clear number instead of a running meter. We make the full case in how to price tattoos.
What the Number Can't Tell You
The calculator knows your costs. It doesn't know your brand, your demand or your market. Treat the proposed rate as the floor your goals need, not as what your work is worth.
If the number looks high for your market, the answer is rarely a lower rate. It's more tattoo days, lower costs, or a brand that makes the price make sense. And when it's time to move the number, raise it without losing the clients you want to keep.
Common Questions About Tattoo Day Rates
How do I calculate my tattoo day rate?
Add what you want to keep each month to everything that comes out before you do: the studio's share or your rent, supplies for each tattoo day, and your other business costs. Divide that by the number of days you want to tattoo. If the studio takes a percentage, it takes it from the whole day rate, so the total has to be grossed up to leave you the rest.
Should tattoo artists charge by the hour or by the day?
For established artists we prefer pricing per session or per day. An hourly rate caps what you can earn and turns the session into a running meter. A day rate prices the work and the day you give it, and gives the client one clear number.
What should a tattoo day rate cover?
Your own income, the studio's share or your rent, supplies, and every other cost of running the business. It also has to pay for the days you don't tattoo - drawing, consultations, admin and cancellations - which is why the calculator only counts the days you want to tattoo.
What if my day rate comes out higher than artists near me charge?
Then the numbers are telling you something. You can tattoo more days, lower your costs, or build a brand that justifies the price. Setting the rate below what your own goals need means working at a loss against your own target.
More free tools
Tattoo Artist Income Calculator - Your day rate, studio split or rent, costs and days. See what you actually take home, each month and over a year.
Tattoo Price Increase Calculator - Your price now, the price you are thinking of, and your sessions. See what the increase adds, and how much room it gives you.
Flash Day Planner - Your flash price, minutes per piece and hours. See how many pieces fit, what the day leaves you, and what it is worth over a normal day.
Booth Rent vs Commission Calculator - What clients paid you over the last 6 to 12 months. See the rent you can safely carry, and whether rent, a day fee or a percentage fits you.
Compare Two Studio Offers - Two studios, two deals - a percentage, rent or a day fee, plus the clients each brings. See which leaves you more, and when that flips.
Guest Spot Trip Calculator - Your day rate, booked days, the host's cut, travel and stay. See whether the trip pays, and how many booked days it needs.
Inquiry Leak Calculator - Your inquiries, how many booked, and what an average project is worth. See your close rate, and what a few more bookings would add.
No-Show and Deposit Calculator - Your late cancellations, how many you refill, and your deposit. See what no-shows cost you a year, and the deposit that covers them.
Tattoo Ad Return Calculator - Your ad budget, what an inquiry costs you, your close rate and project value. See what every dollar of ads brings back.