Tattoo Cost Calculator
Roughly what will your tattoo cost?
You have an idea and want to know what to expect. Choose style, placement and size and see a rough estimate straight away. It is based on years of work and connections in the tattoo scene.
- 18 styles
- Every placement
- Instant result
Where the figures come from
The calculator is not based on textbook formulas but on general experience from the industry. It comes from years of work and connections in the tattoo scene and shows the range tattoos usually fall into, depending on style and size. These are not the prices of individual Artists or studios.
Three things move the price the most:
- The style. A realistic portrait takes many times as long as fine lettering of the same size.
- The area. A design on one side of the forearm is often done in an afternoon, a full sleeve takes several full-day sessions.
- Detail and colour. Lots of detail and colour areas take time, plenty of open skin in the design saves it.
In the industry a full-day session is usually 800 to 1,200 €, the hourly rate 80 to 200 € depending on the Artist's experience. Experienced Artists are often faster. You sit for less time and get more for your money, even if the hour costs more.
Tattoo cost by style and size
All figures are for a medium level of detail in Black & Grey. Small means up to palm size, medium about 12 to 25 cm, large about 25 to 40 cm.
| Style | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fineline, Minimalistic, Lettering | €140 to €220 | €200 to €300 | €260 to €400 |
| Sketch | €220 to €290 | €480 to €650 | €520 to €720 |
| Watercolour (with colour) | €170 to €230 | €380 to €520 | €500 to €700 |
| Geometric, Mandala | €330 to €440 | €440 to €610 | €550 to €770 |
| Dotwork | €430 to €660 | €570 to €910 | €720 to €1,150 |
| Blackwork | €200 to €300 | €500 to €750 | €700 to €1,000 |
| Traditional | €180 to €260 | €550 to €800 | €700 to €1,000 |
| Neotraditional, New School | €200 to €290 | €600 to €880 | €770 to €1,100 |
| Comic, Anime | €180 to €260 | €550 to €800 | €700 to €1,000 |
| Japanese | €260 to €400 | €560 to €900 | €640 to €990 |
| Chicano | €270 to €380 | €600 to €850 | €680 to €940 |
| Realistic | €320 to €450 | €700 to €1,000 | €800 to €1,100 |
Very small, simple designs of 3 to 5 cm are usually at the minimum price of €80 to €150.
| Area | Realistic | Blackwork |
|---|---|---|
| Outer upper arm, complete | €1,000 to €1,200 | €700 to €1,000 |
| Half sleeve (upper arm all around) | €1,700 to €2,150 | €1,200 to €1,850 |
| Whole outer arm | €1,700 to €2,500 | €1,200 to €1,850 |
| Full sleeve | €3,200 to €5,000 | €1,750 to €3,400 |
| Full back | €4,000 to €8,000 | €1,950 to €4,250 |
A half sleeve covers one half of the arm all the way around, either the upper arm or the forearm. A full sleeve covers the whole arm. Polynesian work is usually priced by day sessions, a full sleeve there is typically €5,000 to €6,000. Japanese back pieces depend so much on the design that they can only be estimated in a consultation.
Your Artist will give you the final price.
Frequently asked questions about tattoo cost
What does a small tattoo cost?
A small, simple design of 3 to 5 cm is usually at the minimum price of €80 to €150. Up to palm size it is about €140 to €660, depending on the style.
What does a sleeve cost?
In the tattoo industry a full Realistic sleeve is usually €3,200 to €5,000, with a lot of detail even more. Blackwork is often faster, there it is more like €1,750 to €3,400. A sleeve is made over several full-day sessions, so you do not pay for it all at once.
Why does Realistic cost more than Fineline?
Because it takes longer. A realistic design lives from soft transitions and many shades, which takes many times as long as fine lines of the same size.
Does a colour tattoo cost more?
Yes, a little. Single colour accents add around 10 %, colour areas 20 to 30 %. A full-colour realistic design can cost considerably more, because each colour needs its own passes.
Does the placement make a difference?
A little. On areas such as the ribs, neck or inner elbow the skin is thin or hard to stretch, so it takes a little longer. Up to 10 % more is usual.
How accurate is the calculator?
It gives you a rough estimate so you get a feel for the order of magnitude. Your design, your skin and your Artist make the difference. Your Artist will give you the final price in the free consultation.
From estimate to your tattoo.
Tell us about your idea. Design and size can still be open. Together we find the style and the Artist that suit it, free of charge in the studio or by video call.
Consultations and tattoos happen in our studios in Hürth, right by Cologne, and in Euskirchen, plus our partner studio in Erftstadt.
Last updated: November 2026