Ink Consumption Estimator
Estimate wet ink usage for a job from anilox volume, coverage, and print area.
1 cm³/m² of anilox volume = 1 µm of wet ink film at 100% transfer. Actual transfer is lower, so results are shown as a range.
Enter the area directly, or fill in web width and run length.
Share of the printed area receiving this ink, per colour or station.
Typically about 1.05 for water based inks. Check the ink datasheet.
Varies with ink, speed, substrate and roll condition. Adjust if you know your own figure.
Enter an anilox volume to start estimating.
Estimates ink laid down through the anilox only. Chamber losses at wash up, evaporation, and dried film solids are not included.
Frequently asked questions
How much ink does an anilox roll transfer?
1 cm³/m² of engraved volume equals 1 µm of wet ink film at 100% transfer. In practice only part of each cell transfers, commonly quoted at 25% to 50%.
What is transfer efficiency?
The share of the cell volume that actually reaches the substrate. It depends on ink chemistry, press speed, substrate, and roll condition, so there is no single correct figure.
Why is the estimate shown as a range?
Industry guidance puts transfer efficiency broadly between 25% and 50%, so totals are shown at both ends plus your chosen figure. Compare against real consumption to narrow it down.
Does this include ink left in the chamber or drying losses?
No. It covers wet ink laid down through the anilox only. Chamber and pan losses at wash up, evaporation, and dried film solids are not included.
Learn more: articles on ink and anilox control from Troika