Ink estimator
Estimate ink quantities for an offset print run.
Note: this is an estimate. Actual ink consumption is affected by several factors — among them the paper's surface characteristics and the properties of the ink used — so treat the result as a planning guide, not a firm order quantity.
How this works
The estimator uses Flexum's empirical consumption table compiled from real production runs: total ink mass equals sheet area (m²) × average coverage × sheet count × the per-paper-type consumption rate.
Consumption rates: coated paper 1.5 g/m², uncoated paper 2.0 g/m², specialty inks (gold, silver, fluorescent Day-Glo) 4.0 g/m². The result is the total ink weight for the whole job at the average coverage you provide.
Common questions
Does the result split per CMYK channel?
No — the rate is total ink mass per square meter at the chosen coverage. For a per-channel breakdown, estimate each color's coverage separately and run the calculator once per channel, then sum.
Why do specialty / spot inks use such a higher rate?
Metallics (gold, silver) and Day-Glo fluorescents have higher pigment loads and require thicker laydown to hit their characteristic look. The 4.0 g/m² rate reflects that — use it for those inks and the coated/uncoated rate for everything else.
Why is my actual consumption higher than the estimate?
The biggest sources of variance are paper absorbency within a stock, make-ready sheets beyond the typical allowance, ink mileage differences between manufacturers, and density adjustments during the run.