- How to price a translation: key factors affecting costs
- The role of CAT tools in pricing
- Tips for translation agencies on pricing
- Skilful translation cost estimation: why it matters
Are you wondering how to price your services professionally and transparently for clients? Do you want to create a translation service price list that reflects both your experience and the workload? We present proven methods for estimating translation costs, allowing you to prepare competitive offers while earning a fair income from your work.
How to price a translation: key factors affecting costs
To price a translation, three factors must be considered. Firstly, the cost depends on the length of the content assigned. Secondly, it matters whether the text is specialised, requiring knowledge of industry-specific terminology, or simpler, written in plain language. Thirdly, the deadline is important for the translator assessing the assignment.
Estimating translation costs: words, characters or billing pages?
Text length always determines the translation price. Costs are calculated based on:
- Billing pages – one billing page contains 1800 characters with spaces, and for certified texts 1125 characters. Even if the page is only half full, it is charged as fully occupied,
- Word and character count – spaces may or may not be included in the character count.
Define the billing unit before starting work with a client to avoid misunderstandings, especially in large translation projects.
How to calculate translation costs based on specialisation
Specialised texts require not only language proficiency but also deep knowledge of industry terminology and subject matter. When pricing a project, consider:
- Level of specialisation – whether the text is specialist, highly specialised, or lifestyle content,
- Translation field – medical, legal and technical texts are harder to translate than lifestyle guides, affecting time required,
- Need for expert consultation – consulting subject-matter experts takes time,
- Availability of glossaries and translation memories – these tools make translation easier and may be provided by the client.
Highly specialised texts, such as medical documents or legal contracts, take longer and carry greater responsibility. Translating such texts almost always costs more than simpler content.
Project deadline and estimating translation costs
Urgent projects often require:
- Overtime or weekend work,
- A larger team of translators,
- Less time for proofreading,
- Rescheduling other planned projects.
Charging an additional fee for express service is reasonable if faster delivery is required. The amount should reflect the text’s length and complexity.
The role of CAT tools in pricing
Modern CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools have revolutionised translation and project pricing. Systems such as LivoCAT allow precise analysis of texts for translation, helping optimise service rates.
CAT tools identify how many “fuzzy matches” align with the translation memory and integrate with glossaries and terminology databases, speeding up translation of specialist texts. With this information, you can offer an optimal price – fair to the client and profitable for you.
CAT tools also generate reports and analyses. These can be shared with clients, who then clearly understand what they are paying for. This enhances credibility and ensures clients do not feel misled.
Tips for translation agencies on pricing
Clients value transparency. Instead of giving only the final figure, break down the cost. Present all stages of the translation process so clients understand what they are paying for and appreciate the complexity of the work. This reduces surprise regarding the final price.
Consider translation service packages
Not every assignment requires the same level of service. Some clients may only need machine translation with post-editing, others a basic proofread, and others a fully specialised translation reviewed by a native speaker and an industry expert.
Creating service packages with set prices is a good strategy. It simplifies cost estimation and communication with clients regarding project pricing.
Skilful translation cost estimation: why it matters
Managing translations or running a translation agency requires more than CRM or TMS systems. Accurate pricing is key to satisfying client collaboration. Maintain balance between reasonable rates and overly attractive offers. Your translation price list will then be accepted, profitable, fair for clients, and perhaps even fondly remembered.
