How to use this calculator
- Enter a supplier quote or your current supplies as Option A. Use Option B for the alternative you want to compare.
- For each option, choose the print method and enter the roll price and labels per roll. Thermal transfer also needs a ribbon price and labels per ribbon.
- Enter the finished job quantity, waste allowance and one-off costs. Use one currency for every price; changing the symbol does not convert currencies.
- Compare consumed cost per label to estimate material use. Check the whole-unit purchase total to budget for buying all required rolls and ribbons.
Use your own prices. The starting values are examples, not live supplier quotes.
Formula and method
Waste reduces each entered whole-label yield. Proportional cost divides unit price by usable yield; purchase cost rounds required rolls and ribbons up before adding setup/labor. Direct-thermal mode excludes ribbon quantity and cost.
Worked example
With a $35 roll yielding 2,500 labels, an $18 ribbon yielding 4,300, $25 setup, 3% waste and 10,000 thermal-transfer labels, proportional consumed cost is about $212.49. Buying all five rolls and three ribbons specifically for the job totals $254.00.
How to interpret the result
Use proportional cost for consumption and margin analysis. Use whole-unit purchase total for job-specific cash outlay when no suitable inventory is already available.
Limitations
Existing inventory, residual stock value, freight, tax, wear, energy, downtime and finishing are excluded unless represented in entered costs. No price data leaves your browser.
Common questions
Which total should I use for my budget?
Use the whole-unit purchase total if you need to buy every roll and ribbon for this job. Consumed cost allocates only the estimated material used, plus the entered fixed costs. Neither total deducts stock you already own.
Are setup costs charged for every label?
No. Setup cost and Other fixed cost are each added once per scenario, then spread across the finished job quantity when calculating cost per label.
Does this include tax, delivery and labour?
Only costs you enter are included. Add job-specific labour or delivery to the fixed costs if appropriate, and keep tax treatment consistent between both options. The calculator does not fetch prices or calculate tax.
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Usage instructions updated October 19, 2026.
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