Tattoo Cost Calculator
Choose where you live and what kind of tattoo you want. You get an estimated price range based on rates studios actually advertise, plus what tends to push the quote up or down.
Most studios take a deposit to book, which comes off the final price.
Large pieces usually take several sessions.
How the estimate works
We start from published price ranges for each country and size, then adjust for style (colour adds roughly 25 percent and realism about 50 percent), how difficult the placement is and the artist's experience. It is an estimate: the real price is set by each artist based on your design. There is no official price survey for tattoos anywhere.
| Size | United Kingdom (£) | United States ($) | Spain (€) | Mexico (MXN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (up to about 6 cm / 2 in) | £50 to £150 | $80 to $250 | €50 to €150 | $700 to $3,000 |
| Palm sized (7 to 12 cm) | £150 to £400 | $200 to $500 | €120 to €350 | $1,400 to $5,600 |
| Large (forearm or calf piece) | £300 to £800 | $500 to $1,200 | €300 to €1,000 | $2,500 to $8,000 |
| Half sleeve | £500 to £2,000 | $1,000 to $3,000 | €800 to €2,000 | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| Full sleeve | £1,500 to £3,000 | $2,000 to $5,000 | €1,500 to €3,500 | $7,000 to $9,500 |
| Full back or bodysuit | Day rate | Day rate | Day rate | Day rate |
Sources: rates commonly advertised by US and UK studios; Cronoshare 2026 price guides for Spain and Mexico. The US "large" and Spanish "half sleeve" ranges are interpolated from neighbouring sizes. Ranges shown before style, placement and artist adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small tattoo cost?
Usually the shop minimum: roughly 80 to 250 dollars in the US and about 50 to 150 pounds in the UK, even if the tattoo only takes a few minutes, because setup and sterile supplies cost the same.
Why do two tattoos of the same size cost different amounts?
Price follows time, and time follows detail. Realism, shading and colour take longer than simple linework, and areas like the ribs or hands are slower to work on.
Do tattoo artists charge by the hour?
Large custom work usually is, with US rates commonly around 100 to 250 dollars an hour. Small pieces and flash usually have a fixed price.
How much should I tip a tattoo artist?
In the US, 15 to 20 percent is customary. In the UK and much of Europe, tips are appreciated but not expected.