Art Pricing Calculator (How to Price a Painting)
Price a painting or artwork by size: area × rate per square inch or cm, or (width + height) × a linear rate, plus materials and framing, grossed up for gallery commission — with what you keep.
How it works
area method: size price = width × height × rate · linear method: size price = (width + height) × rate · your price = size price + materials and framing · retail price = your price ÷ (1 − commission)
Most working artists price consistently by size so that collectors see a logical price list: a bigger piece costs more, and the same size costs the same whatever the subject. The two common formulas are a rate per square inch (or cm²) and the "linear inch" method that multiplies width plus height by a rate, which keeps big pieces from becoming very expensive. Add the cost of materials and framing so you do not lose money on them, and if a gallery or platform takes a commission (often 30–50% for galleries) gross the price up so you still receive your amount. Raise your rate gradually as work sells and keep online, studio and gallery prices the same.
Worked example
A 50 × 70 cm painting at $0.30 per cm²: 3,500 cm² × 0.30 = $1,050.00, plus $80.00 for materials and framing, gives a retail price of $1,130.00 with no commission ($0.32 per cm²).
Sources: Artwork Archive — How to price your artwork · Artist Run Website — Pricing artwork by the inch
Frequently asked questions
How do I price my art as a beginner?
Pick a size-based formula and a modest rate — many emerging painters start around $1–$3 per square inch (about $0.15–$0.45 per cm²) — add materials, compare with similar artists in your area and raise the rate by 10–20% when work sells regularly.
What is the linear inch method?
Add the width and height and multiply by a rate: a 16 × 20 in canvas is 36 linear inches, so at $10 per inch it costs $360. It grows more slowly than the area method for large pieces.
How do I price for a gallery that takes 50%?
Divide what you want to receive by 0.5: if you need $600, list the work at $1,200. Keep the same retail price everywhere so the gallery is not undercut by your own website.
Should prints be priced the same way?
Use a separate, lower rate for prints and include printing, paper and edition size; limited editions can be priced higher than open editions.
Related calculators
Planning estimate only — prices depend on your market, reputation and costs; check comparable sales and any taxes before you set them.