🎨 How the Professional Tattoo Cost Calculator Works

Welcome to your all-in-one pricing assistant — whether you’re an artist or client, this tool helps you get a transparent, accurate tattoo estimate in seconds.

🔀 Step 1: Choose Your Pricing Model

The calculator adapts in real time based on your pricing model:

🔹 Hourly Rate Mode

• Shows:
  • Custom Hourly Rate field (e.g., $122/hour)
  • Estimated Hours field (e.g., 3 hours)
• Hides:
  • Flat rate field
• Auto-Calculation:
  • Base Cost = Hourly Rate × Hours
  • Example: $122/hour × 3 hours = $366

🔹 Flat Rate Mode

• Shows:
  • Flat Rate field (e.g., $2222)
• Hides:
  • Hourly rate & hours
• Auto-suggests range based on tattoo size
  • Example: “Medium tattoo (3-6”) → Suggested range: $350–$850”

✏️ Step 2: Customize or Auto-Calculate Fields

💡 Use Auto-Values — OR — Manually Override (Yellow Fields)

• Every input has a smart placeholder (e.g., “Auto: $120”) showing what would be calculated by default.
• If you want to change it? Just type in your custom value — the calculator respects your input.

🧩 Step 3: Adjust Pricing Based on Key Factors

1. Complexity Adjustment

• Choose from: Line Art, Shaded, Full Color, Realism, Hyperrealism
• Auto-adjusts cost or lets you enter a value
  • Example: Full Color → Auto: $150
  • Manual override: $22

2. Placement Adjustment

• Select placement (e.g., Forearm, Ribs, Neck)
• Difficult spots (e.g., spine, hands, face) suggest higher costs
  • Example: Ribs → Auto: $120
  • Manual override: $11

3. Geographic Region Adjustment

• Choose a location (NYC, LA, London) or select Custom
• Enter your own adjustment
  • Example: Custom Region → $12

➕ Step 4: Add Services & Extras

✔️ Predefined Add-Ons:

• Premium/Vegan Ink → $50
• Touch-up Session → $75
• Weekend/Rush Fee → $100
• Design Consultation → $50
• Materials & Setup → $100

✔️ Custom Add-Ons (3 Fields)

Add your own services:

• Example:
  • “Aftercare Kit” → $25
  • “Color Touch-up” → $75
  • “Travel Fee” → $50

✍️ Notes Section

Add special instructions or clarifications about custom services.

📊 Step 5: View the Estimate Instantly

All costs are added together in real time:

• Base Rate (Hourly or Flat)
• Complexity, Placement, Region Adjustments
• Materials & Services

🔢 Final Estimate is shown at the bottom, along with a suggested range (for transparency).

🧠 Example Scenarios

🧑‍🎨 Example 1: Flat Rate Model

• Flat Rate: $2222
• Complexity: $22
• Placement: $11
• Region: $12
• Services & Materials: $275 + $100
• Total Estimate: $2642

🧑‍🎨 Example 2: Hourly Model

• Hourly Rate: $122
• Hours: 3
• Base Rate: $366
• Complexity: $22
• Placement: $11
• Region: $12
• Services & Materials: $275 + $100
• Total Estimate: $786

✅ Final Benefits

• Dynamic Interface: Adapts instantly to your input
• Manual Control: Customize anything, anytime
• Auto Suggestions: Helpful defaults where needed
• Perfect for Pros: Quote customers on the spot or embed it on your site