Work out ink consumption instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Ink consumption is printed area x coverage x lay-down rate. Lay-down depends on the process — around 1-2 g/m2 for offset, 2-4 for flexo and 4-8 for gravure or screen at full coverage. Coverage above 100% is possible when colours overprint.
Ink consumption
Ink (g) = printed area (m2) x impressions x coverage % x lay-down (g/m2)
From the prepress file: the RIP reports ink coverage per separation. Summing the separations gives total coverage, which is why four-colour solids can exceed 300%.
Ink left in the duct, pans, pumps and lines at job end, plus washing-up losses. On short runs this residual can exceed the ink actually printed.