Short answer: Five things set a label's price: quantity, label size, material (coated paper is the most economical, metallized and hologram the most expensive), format (sheet or roll) and extra finishes (custom cut, variable data, foil, etc.). Sheets are more economical for small orders, rolls for large ones. The fastest way to see a current price is to choose your size and quantity on the product page; the price is calculated instantly.
"How much do labels cost?" has no single answer, because a 30 mm round coated sticker and a 100x150 mm hologram label can't cost the same. But if you know how the price is built, you'll get the right quote and pay less for the same quality. Here's everything that sets a label price and how to bring it down.
See your label price now
Choose your size, material and quantity; the price is calculated instantly on the product page.
With sheet labels, the price depends on how many labels fit on a sheet
5 Factors That Set Label Prices
1. Quantity
Every print job has a fixed preparation cost: file check, machine setup, cutting preparation. As quantity rises, that fixed cost is spread over more labels and the unit price drops. A larger order has a noticeably lower unit price than a small one.
2. Label Size
Material and print area scale with size. With sheet labels, the real driver is how many labels fit on a sheet. Shrinking by just a few millimetres can fit another row and lower the unit price. See standard label sizes.
3. Material
| Material | Relative Price | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Coated paper | Most economical | Dry conditions, boxes, shipping, short-life products |
| Textured paper | Medium | Boutique, handmade, premium look |
| Opaque PP | Medium | Water, moisture, oil; cosmetics and refrigerated products |
| Clear PP | Medium | Glass and clear packaging, no-label look |
| Metallized | High | Asset tags, premium products, longest life |
| Hologram | High | Security, authenticity, eye-catching look |
Choose material by where it will be used, not by price. Put a cheap coated label on a refrigerated product and you'll end up reprinting. See our label material guide.
4. Format: Sheets or Rolls?
Sheet labels are digitally printed with no plate costs, so total cost is low for small and medium runs. Roll labels are built for mass production; the unit price drops sharply at high volumes, but setup costs make small runs expensive. Read roll or sheet? for the full comparison.
5. Extra Finishes
- Custom cut: Cut to your logo's shape or a non-standard outline.
- Variable data: A different QR code, serial number or code on every label. QR code labels →
- Foil, embossing, varnish: Extra effects on premium roll labels. PRO Label →
- Multiple designs: Several different designs in one order.
Many labels on one sheet: the right size lowers the unit price
6 Ways to Lower Your Label Cost
- Optimise the size: If your design allows, shrink the label by a few millimetres so more fit on a sheet.
- Choose the right material: Don't pay for plastic on a product kept dry; don't buy paper for a wet product and then reprint.
- Combine orders: Print labels for different products in the same size and material in one order.
- Plan quantities: If you order often, printing a few months' needs at once lowers the unit price. But don't stockpile if your design will change.
- Send a ready file: Files with bleed or resolution problems cost time. Use our template tool.
- Move to rolls as you grow: At high volumes, roll labels cut the unit cost significantly.
Need a quote?
For non-standard sizes, high volumes or special finishes, write to us and we'll prepare a custom quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do 1,000 labels cost?
It depends on size and material. There's a big difference between 1,000 small coated labels and 1,000 large hologram labels. Choose your size and quantity on the product page to see the current price instantly.
What's the cheapest label?
Paper-based coated paper labels are the most economical. But they aren't water or moisture resistant; if they don't suit your product, they cost more in the long run.
Are roll labels or sheet labels cheaper?
Sheets for small and medium runs, rolls for large runs. The break-even point depends on size and material.
Is design included in the price?
You can upload your own design or create one online on our Design page.
In Short
Label prices depend on quantity, size, material, format and extra finishes. Choose the right material, optimise your size and combine orders, and you'll pay less for the same quality.
Calculate your label price: choose your size and quantity and see the price right away.
