How do I count the real cost of a label?

Pack price divided by the number of labels, plus ink or toner per label. Allow for sheets wasted by misalignment: divide the pack price by the labels you can really use. The printer purchase is counted separately, over time.

Why does direct thermal use no ink?

The paper is treated to darken under the heat of the print head. There is no ink or toner, so the cost per label is just the roll price. That is why the field is fixed at zero in this tool.

What volume justifies buying one?

It depends on the gap in cost per label between your two methods and on the printer price. The bigger the gap and the volume, the faster it pays back. If the gap is zero or negative, the tool says it never pays back at that volume.

Which label size should I plan for?

The required format depends on the carrier and the service you choose. Check it in your seller account or the carrier’s terms before buying a printer or supplies.

Is my data sent to a server?

No. The figures stay in your browser tab.

Shipping label cost calculator

Results

My current method

Cost per label
Cost per month
Total cost over the period

Thermal printer

Cost per label
Cost per month
Total cost over the period

Saving with thermal

Is this calculation part of a web project or a custom tool? Describe it in a few lines and I will reply with a quote (the page is in French).

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At a glance

Free shipping label cost calculator: office printer or thermal printer.
Cost per label = pack price ÷ labels per pack + ink per label.
Total = printer purchase + monthly cost × months; break-even rounded up to the next month.
No market prices are supplied: you enter your own. Nothing is sent to a server.
Available in French, English, German and Spanish.

(02) — METHOD

Three numbers to compare.

01 — Your prices

Enter what you actually pay: a pack of label sheets or paper, a roll, ink. The greyed values are examples only; replace them.

02 — Your volume

Add parcels per month and the comparison period. An average over a few months beats a holiday peak.

03 — The verdict

Cost per label, per month and in total, then the number of months until the thermal printer pays for itself, or never.

(03) — FAQ

Short answers.

How do I count the real cost of a label?: Pack price divided by the number of labels, plus ink or toner per label. Allow for sheets wasted by misalignment: divide the pack price by the labels you can really use. The printer purchase is counted separately, over time.
Why does direct thermal use no ink?: The paper is treated to darken under the heat of the print head. There is no ink or toner, so the cost per label is just the roll price. That is why the field is fixed at zero in this tool.
What volume justifies buying one?: It depends on the gap in cost per label between your two methods and on the printer price. The bigger the gap and the volume, the faster it pays back. If the gap is zero or negative, the tool says it never pays back at that volume.
Which label size should I plan for?: The required format depends on the carrier and the service you choose. Check it in your seller account or the carrier’s terms before buying a printer or supplies.
Is my data sent to a server?: No. The figures stay in your browser tab.

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Shipping label cost.

My current method

Thermal printer

At a glance

Three numbers to compare.

Short answers.