How Much Does Screen Printing Cost? Price Per Shirt Explained
How much screen printing costs per shirt
In this article
Screen printing often costs around $5 to $15 per shirt for bulk orders, including the shirt, with prices driven by quantity, number of ink colours, print locations and garment type. Small orders cost more per shirt because of screen set-up fees, and many printers have minimums of 12 to 24 pieces.
These are rough ranges; prices vary by shop and region.
What affects the price
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Quantity | More shirts = lower price per shirt |
| Number of colours | Each colour needs a screen |
| Print locations | Front, back, sleeves each add cost |
| Garment | Basic tees vs premium brands, hoodies |
| Ink type | Specialty inks cost more |
| Set-up / screen fees | Per colour, per location |
| Rush orders | Extra fees |
Example price ranges
| Quantity | 1-colour front (incl. basic tee) |
|---|---|
| 24 | Higher per shirt |
| 72 | Mid |
| 144+ | Lowest per shirt |
Screen set-up fees
Many shops charge per screen (per colour), often waived on larger orders. Reorders may save on screen fees if screens are kept.
Screen printing vs other methods
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Screen printing | Bulk orders, few colours |
| DTG (direct to garment) | Small runs, full-colour designs |
| DTF / heat transfers | Small runs, mixed fabrics |
| Embroidery | Logos on polos and caps |
For shop owners
Build a price matrix by quantity and colours, add garment cost with markup, set minimums and add charges for extra locations and specialty inks. More: How to start a screen printing business.
Frequently asked questions
How much does screen printing cost per shirt?
Often $5 to $15 for bulk orders including the shirt.
Why do small orders cost more?
Screen set-up costs are spread over fewer shirts.
Do screen printers have minimums?
Many require 12 to 24 pieces.
Does each colour cost extra?
Yes. Each colour needs its own screen and set-up.
Is screen printing cheaper than DTG?
For larger orders, usually yes.
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AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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