Film & substrates
The print and lamination films priced by weight, from your pouch size and the structure you run.
Resources · Free tool
Pouch cost calculator
Estimate the per-pouch cost of a flexible-packaging job — printing plus lamination and converting — in minutes. Enter your job and we'll email you the full breakdown, free.
Open the pouch cost calculator →Free · indicative estimate
What it estimates
Your per-piece cost, built from the parts a printer actually pays for.
Printing
Plates spread over the run, ink by colour and coverage, and press time to print the reel.
Lamination & converting
Adhesive and the extra plies for a laminated structure, with their own machine time — optional and switchable.
Machine time & manpower
Press and laminator speeds, run length and operator cost.
Waste
Set-up and running waste across both printing and converting.
Repeat & imposition
How many pouches fit around the cylinder and across the web — the tool works this out from your dimensions.
What you'll need to enter
- Order quantity (finished pouches)
- Pouch height (MD) and width (CD), in mm
- Film types, micron and price
- Number of colours and ink coverage
- Lamination / converting details (optional)
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How is pouch cost calculated?
A pouch's cost is its printing (film, plates, ink and press time) plus any lamination and converting (adhesive, extra plies and machine time), divided by the number of pouches. The calculator adds these up and returns a per-pouch cost.
What's the difference between printing and converting cost?
Printing covers getting ink on the reel — film, plates, ink and press time. Converting covers turning printed reels into a laminated structure — adhesive, additional films and laminator time. The calculator lets you include converting or leave it out.
What drives pouch cost the most?
Film consumption (pouch size and structure), order quantity, the number of colours, and whether the job is laminated. Multi-ply laminated structures cost more than a single printed film.
Is the pouch cost calculator free?
Yes — an indicative per-pouch cost on screen and the full breakdown emailed to you, free.
How accurate is the estimate?
It's an indicative estimate from your inputs and typical rates. Actual cost depends on your film contracts and structure — share the details and we'll firm it up.
Can I compare flexo and gravure for pouches?
Yes. The Flexo vs Gravure comparison prices the same pouch on both processes with the break-even volume.
Ready to price your job?
Get your per-piece cost on screen and the full breakdown by email — free. Or send us the details and we'll come back with honest numbers.
Related tools
- Printing cost calculator (hub) →Labels, shrink sleeves and pouches in one tool.
- Shrink sleeve cost calculator →Per-sleeve cost for shrink-sleeve jobs.
- Flexo vs Gravure comparison →Same pouch, both processes, with break-even.