Tattoo Price Calculator
Upload a photo or describe your tattoo: the AI estimates a realistic price range in seconds, based on average studio rates.
How much does a tattoo cost? In 2026, expect around $60-300 for a small tattoo (2-4 in), $250-600 for a medium piece (4-8 in) and $800-3,500 for a large piece, based on an average hourly rate of $80-150. The price depends on four factors (size, style, color, placement) that this free calculator combines to compute your personalized range in seconds.
Average tattoo prices by size (2026)
Average ranges by size, all styles combined. For a personalized estimate, use the calculator above.
| Tattoo size | Price range |
|---|---|
| Tiny (3-5 cm / 1-2 in) | $60-160 |
| Small (5-10 cm / 2-4 in) | $80-400 |
| Medium (10-20 cm / 4-8 in) | $250-900 |
| Large (20-30 cm / 8-12 in) | $500-2,000 |
| Sleeve / back piece | $1,000-6,000+ |
Based on a 2026 survey of 30+ studios. Indicative estimate, the real price varies with the artist and the complexity of the design.
What drives the price of a tattoo
The same design can vary threefold in price. Here are the four factors the calculator takes into account.
Size
Factor number one. Most studios apply a shop minimum ($60-100) even for a tiny design, then the price follows working time, so surface area.
Style
Realism or dotwork takes 2 to 3 times more hours than fine-line. The more detailed the design, the higher the bill.
Color
Every added color means needle changes and extra session time. Expect +30 to 50% compared to black & grey for the same surface.
Placement and city
Technical zones (hands, fingers, neck) carry a 20-30% premium. And a London or New York studio charges 20-30% more than a small-town shop.
Go deeper on tattoo prices
For the full breakdown (price grid by size and style, city premiums, how to save without cutting corners on quality), read our complete tattoo cost guide. And to walk into the studio with a clear reference, create your tattoo idea first.
Create your tattoo with AIFrequently asked questions
How does this AI tattoo price calculator work?+
You can upload a photo of a tattoo: the AI automatically detects the style and color. Add the size, placement and your area, and the tool returns a price range in seconds. The calculation is based on a grid of real studio rates surveyed in 2026.
Is the estimate reliable?+
It is an indicative estimate, not a quote. It gives you the right order of magnitude to plan your budget and avoid bad surprises. The real price depends on the artist, their reputation and the exact complexity of the design. Always ask for a written quote before the session.
How much does a small tattoo cost?+
A small tattoo of 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) costs between $80 and $300 depending on the style and the studio. A simple fine-line piece starts around $80-180, while realism or dotwork of the same size runs $200-400. Below $50-60 you are outside the professional circuit.
Do artists charge by the hour or a flat rate?+
Both models exist. Flat rates dominate for pieces under 4 hours (fixed price once the artist has seen the project). Hourly rates apply to bigger pieces, with an average of $80 to $150 per hour, up to $180-300 per hour for in-demand artists.