What this guide covers. Let's open the calculator, choose the binding, color, format and paper, specify the pages and print run, and then read the result correctly.

Important: the calculator shows the approximate cost without additional options. The exact amount is formed after file upload and parameter checks in the configurator.

1. Open the calculator

In the top menu, click Printto "Prices". A block will open on the page "Estimated printing cost calculator".

Initial values are already selected, so the result is displayed immediately. First set the parameters of your book and only then use the amount to plan your budget.

On screenGo to the "Prices" section
The Prices item in the top menu of Printto
"Prices" section Open the quick calculator from the main menu.
Video 1. Where to find a calculator14 seconds

2. Choose a binding type

Start with the publication design. The calculator offers stapled brochure or magazine, spring-loaded notebook, paperback, and glue-bound or thread-sewn hardcover options.

Binding affects not only the cost: it affects the available formats, paper weight and the permissible number of pages.

On screenBook design options
Choosing the type of binding in the calculator
Binding type First, determine the structure of the future edition.
Video 2. Binding type15 seconds

3. Determine the print color

For a text book without color elements, select black and white print. Color inkjet and color laser printing are available for illustrations.

The color, or type, of printing significantly affects the calculation. If only part of the pages in the file are in color, it is better to determine the final version after uploading the PDF.

On screenThree print modes
Black and white, inkjet and laser printing
Print color Choose the technology according to the content of the book.
Video 3. Print color13 seconds

4. Choose the format of the book

Standard formats are available in the quick calculator A5, B5 and A4. Choose the one that corresponds to the page size of the prepared layout.

Don't change the format just for the sake of a lower price without checking the layout: scaling can affect margins, font, artwork, and readability. The original format can be specified in the full configurator after uploading the file.

On screenStandard formats
A5, B5 and A4 formats in the calculator
Format Compare the selection to the actual size of the layout pages.
Video 4. Book format13 seconds

5. Enter the paper weight

For the selected configuration, the calculator shows the available options, for example 80, 100 or 120 grams per square meter.

Thinner paper is often used for text books with a large number of pages. Thicker is worth considering for illustrated editions, but it adds thickness and weight to the book. The assortment depends on the binding and printing mode.

On screenAvailable paper weights
Selection of paper weight
Paper Check available values after selecting print mode and binding.
Video 5. Paper weight13 seconds

6. Enter the page count and print run

In the field "Number of pages" specify the total number of pages of the book block. The cover is usually counted separately and is not added to this number.

In the field "Print run" enter the number of identical copies. The system may adjust the number of pages if a certain multiplicity is required for the selected binding.

On screenMargins of pages and print run
Number of pages and print run in the calculator
Order volume Specify the inner pages and the required number of books.
Video 6. Pages and print run13 seconds

7. Review the result and compare print runs

Below the parameters are shown price of one copy and the total cost of the entire print run. After changing any setting, wait for these values ​​to update.

Below are price offers for other editions. They help to compare options: clicking on the card substitutes the corresponding amount in the calculator. As the print run increases, the price of one book usually becomes lower.

On screenThe price of a copy and finished editions
Price comparison for different editions
Comparison Look at both the total amount and the cost of one book.
Video 7. Cost and comparison of editions12 seconds

8. Get an exact quote

The quick calculator does not take into account cover layout, lamination, endpapers, spine text, bookmarks and other additional options.

Click "Upload File". After processing, Printto will determine the starting parameters and open the 3D viewer. Check them out or click "Change settings"to go to full configurator.

On screenUploading a file for an exact quote
File upload button for an exact quote
Accurate calculation Upload the layout and check the complete configuration.
Video 8. Accurate calculation15 seconds
A short checklist: binding, color, format, paper, pages and print run; then compare the copy price and total and upload the file for final review.
A frame of a complete video instruction about prices2:26Full video guideWatch the full video on YouTubeThe video will open on the Printto channel in a new tab.