How Much Does It Cost to Print a DTF Transfer — And How Profitable Is It?

If you're in the custom apparel game, you've probably heard about DTF (Direct to Film) printing. It’s fast, vibrant, and ideal for everything from one-off designs to bulk orders. But one question always comes up: how much does it really cost to print a DTF transfer? And more importantly, is it actually profitable?

Let’s break it down.

🎯 The Core Costs of a 12" × 12" DTF Transfer

When using a 24-inch wide-format DTF printer, here’s what goes into a single 12" × 12" print:

📄 1. DTF Film

• Roll Size: 24" × 328 ft

• Cost: $110 per roll

• Prints per Roll: 656

• Cost per Print: $0.17

🖨️ 2. DTF Ink

• 5 Liters of Ink (CMYK + White): $285

• Prints per 5L: 4,358

• Cost per Print: $0.065

🌫️ 3. Hot-Melt Adhesive Powder

• 2.2 lb bag: $29

• Prints per Bag: 399

• Cost per Print: $0.073

✅ Total Material Cost: ~$0.31 per 12" × 12" Transfer

That's it! About 31 cents in materials to create a professional-quality DTF transfer.

💸 So... How Profitable Is DTF?

Most DTF transfer sellers charge around $3.00 per square foot (which equals a 12" × 12" transfer).

Here’s the math:

• Revenue per Print: $3.00

• Cost per Print: $0.31

• Profit Before Overhead: $2.69 per print

Even after factoring in labor, printer maintenance, electricity, and packaging, there's a healthy margin to work with.

📊 Want to Calculate It Yourself?

Use this handy calculator to plug in your real-world numbers and explore profits by size or quantity:
👉 DTF Cost Calculator by Pixel Flow DTF

🚀 Why DTF Is a Smart Business Move

• ✅ Low material costs

• ✅ High markup potential

• ✅ Fast turnaround

• ✅ Great for both short runs & bulk

Whether you’re printing for your own apparel line or selling transfers to other creatives, DTF offers one of the best ROIs in the print industry.

Need supplies? Shop our ink, film, and powder bundles [right here on our store] and start maximizing your DTF profit today.