Why this calculator
The Number That
Actually Matters
Most DTF printer pages show you print speed and resolution. What they don't show you is how many months until the machine pays for itself — and what your monthly income looks like once it does.
This calculator uses real supply cost data ($5.80 per A3 print, based on Epson R1390/L1800 ink and film consumption) and conservative assumptions. Adjust every variable to match your actual business model.
$5.80
DTF supply cost per shirt (ink + film, A3 print area)
8–10
Shirts per hour depending on model and print complexity
$14–18
Typical custom shirt retail price range for small studios
6–9 mo
Typical break-even for a small studio at 250 orders/month
Model Comparison
Which Printer Fits
Your Volume?
All three models use the same $5.80/shirt supply cost. The difference is throughput, head quality, and upfront investment.
| Model |
Price |
Units/hr |
Printhead |
Best For |
| Huedrift One |
$1,999 |
8/hr |
R1390 |
Side hustles & starters |
| Huedrift Pro Popular |
$2,199 |
8/hr |
L1800 |
Small studios |
| Huedrift Pro Max |
$2,599 |
10/hr |
L1800 |
Growing businesses |
How We Calculate
Transparent Formula,
No Hidden Assumptions
Every number in this calculator is derived from publicly available supply costs and conservative industry averages.
Cost per shirt = DTF supplies ($5.80) + blank garment ($3.50 est.) + labor (your input)
Profit per shirt = Sale price − Cost per shirt
Monthly profit = Profit per shirt × Monthly orders
Break-even = Machine price ÷ Monthly profit
Annual ROI % = (Monthly profit × 12) ÷ Machine price × 100
The blank garment estimate ($3.50) is a typical Gildan/Bella+Canvas wholesale cost. Your actual blank cost may differ — this is intentionally conservative.
Common Questions
FAQ
What's included in the $5.80 supply cost?+
The $5.80 figure covers DTF ink consumption and PET film for a standard A3 (13") print. It's based on Epson R1390 and L1800 head ink usage at typical print density. White ink (underbase layer) is the largest cost driver. This number is consistent with published data from multiple DTF manufacturers.
Does the calculator include the cost of a heat press?+
No — a heat press ($300–$600 for a quality swing-arm press) is a separate purchase. If you already own one, the calculator reflects your real costs. If not, add roughly 1–2 months to your break-even timeline.
How realistic are the order volume numbers?+
The "Side Hustle" preset (80 orders/month) is achievable in the first 1–3 months for someone selling on Etsy or Instagram with a small following. "Small Studio" (250/month) is typical for a 6–12 month old custom apparel business. "Growing Biz" (600/month) represents a full-time operation with repeat clients or Shopify storefront.
Why does the Pro cost more than the One if the specs look similar?+
The Huedrift Pro uses an Epson L1800 printhead vs the R1390 in the One. The L1800 has a longer rated service life, better white ink stability, and more consistent output at high volumes. For a side hustle, the One is sufficient. For a studio doing 200+ shirts/month, the Pro's head longevity pays for the price difference over time.
What if I want to print on items other than T-shirts?+
DTF transfers work on virtually any fabric: hoodies, tote bags, hats, socks, and more. Supply cost scales with print area — a full-front hoodie print costs more than a chest logo. Adjust your "sale price" input to reflect the higher-value items in your product mix, and your ROI will reflect that accordingly.
