If you’ve been looking into printing designs on shirts, hoodies, tote bags, or even mugs, you’ve probably stumbled across Direct to Film Transfers. It has grown exponentially in popularity due to the vivid and lasting prints it produces, and it does not involve you having a large and costly printer in your home. However, the big question is, what is the actual cost of getting a DTF print?

The answer? Well, that is relative. Let’s take it apart in simple, straightforward language so you precisely get what you’re getting.

What Affects the Price of a DTF Print?

When people ask, “How much for one print?” they usually expect a single flat number. But there’s more to it. A few main factors can swing the price up or down:

1. Size of the Print
    Bigger prints use more film and ink, so naturally, they cost more. A small chest logo will be way cheaper than a full-front design that covers the whole shirt.
   
2. Number of Colors
    Unlike some older printing methods, DTF printing doesn’t charge per color; you can have full-color designs at no extra cost. But if your design is super detailed, it might need more ink, which can slightly bump up costs.
   
3. Quantity
    Ordering one print? Expect to pay more per piece. Ordering 50? Your per-print cost will usually drop because printers can run your designs more efficiently.
   
4. Finishing Options
    Some printers offer extras like pre-cut transfers or pressed samples. Those little add-ons can affect the total price.
   

Average Price Range You Can Expect

Now for the real numbers. For most printing services in North America:

1. Small prints (like pocket logos): around $3 – $5 each
   
2. Medium prints (8" to 10"): around $5 – $8 each
   
3. Large prints (full front designs): around $8 – $12 each
   

If you’re getting bulk orders, prices per print can drop by 20–50%. That means if you’re ordering a big batch for your brand, you can save a lot.

What About Gang Sheets?

Here’s where things get interesting. Instead of paying for each print separately, you can buy a big sheet and fit multiple designs on it. This is called a gang sheet, and it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to order DTF prints.

For example, you could fit:

1. 10 small logos
   
2. 4 medium designs
   
3. Or a mix of both
   

All on one sheet for a single price. The bigger the sheet, the better the deal.

A 22" x 24" sheet might cost $15–$18. But if you fill it with a bunch of designs, you might be paying less than $2 per print. This is where tools like a DTF Gang Sheet Builder make a big difference because you can arrange everything yourself and squeeze every inch of value out of that sheet.

Shipping and Extra Costs

Don’t forget about shipping. Some companies offer free shipping over a certain amount, but smaller orders might have an extra fee. Also, if your file isn’t print-ready, you might pay for simple design adjustments.

Why People Love DTF Printing?

Cost aside, DTF printing is a win for a few reasons:

1. Works on almost any fabric
   
2. Colors stay bright after many washes.
   
3. No need for screens or messy setups
   
4. You can store transfers and press them later.
   

So if you’re running a small clothing line or just want to make a few custom pieces, it’s flexible and low-commitment.

How to Get the Best Price?

Here are a few tips to stretch your printing budget:

1. Plan Ahead
    Instead of ordering a single print at a time, wait until you have a batch of designs ready. Bulk printing always wins on cost.
   
2. Use Gang Sheets
    If your printer offers them, pack your designs tightly so you’re not wasting space. Every empty inch is wasted money.
   
3. Find a Reliable Printing Partner
    Cheap doesn’t always mean good. A bad print will peel, crack, or fade quickly, which means reprints and more cost.
   
4. Double-Check Your Files
    Send clean, high-resolution files to avoid extra setup fees.
   

Real-World Example

Let’s say you need 20 prints for a school event.

1. Ordering them one at a time might cost you $7 each = $140.
   
2. But if you fit all 20 designs onto gang sheets, you might pay $50–$60 total. That’s a big difference.
   

This is why experienced small business owners swear by tools like the DTF Gang Sheet Builder; it’s like playing Tetris with your designs and saving money while you’re at it.

Why Formulated Prints Should Be Your Choice?

If you want great quality without the headaches, we highly recommend checking out Formulated Prints. They specialize in both DTF and UV-DTF transfers, use premium inks and films, and have a super-easy online ordering system. Their turnaround is fast, and if you’re local to Calgary, you can even do a pickup. Plus, they have free shipping on qualifying orders and clear guides to help you press your prints perfectly.

We’ve seen enough horror stories of bad prints to know that going with a trusted supplier matters more than chasing the absolute rock-bottom price.

Final Thoughts

The cost of a DTF print really depends on size, quantity, and whether you use gang sheets. For most people, the smart move is to think in terms of “cost per sheet” rather than “cost per print.” That way, you can maximize your order and get the best bang for your buck.

And if you want to take it up a notch, start playing around with a DTF Gang Sheet Builder. It’ll change the way you order prints, cut your costs, and make you feel like a print-planning pro.

FAQs

1. What is the average cost of a DTF print?

The average cost for a DTF print ranges from $3 to $12, depending on the size, quantity, and whether you order individual prints or use a gang sheet.

2. How do gang sheets reduce DTF printing costs?

Gang sheets allow you to place multiple designs on a single sheet, which lowers your cost per print. With a DTF Gang Sheet Builder, you can arrange designs efficiently to maximize space.

3. Are Direct to Film Transfers more expensive than screen printing?

For small orders, Direct to Film Transfers are usually cheaper because there’s no setup fee or screen preparation. For large runs, screen printing can sometimes be more cost-effective.