Pricing your artwork
Many artists price their work based on size—using a dollar amount per square inch—as a fair and consistent starting point. Others like using an hourly rate method.
These calculators help you go a step further by factoring in your materials, framing costs, and even a resale markup if you're selling through a gallery or exhibition.
Try out both, and see what works best for you!
Width & Height (inches):
Measure the actual painted area, not including any mat or frame.
Rate per Square Inch ($):
This is how much you want to charge per square inch. A common range is $1–$3depending on experience, medium, and demand.
Hourly Rate ($):
What’s your time worth? Think about your skill level, experience, and how long it really takes to create a piece from the sketch to the framing.
Materials Cost:
Make a “guestimate” of the cost of paint, paper, canvas, tape, etc.
No need to get overly analytical—just estimate an average per piece.
Framing Cost:
If you plan to frame it before selling, include the cost of the frame, mat, glass, backing board, hanging wire, etc.
Commission/Markup Percentage (%):
When working with galleries or participating in exhibitions, a commission is typically added to your base (or wholesale) price. This commission, which generally ranges from 30% to 50% or more, covers the gallery’s operational costs and provides their profit margin.