Most print quotes are a fixed setup fee plus a per-piece price. One small formula gives the total — and shows customers why a bigger order costs less each.
This is the classic fixed-plus-variable cost model.
The example
A $35 setup, $0.40 per piece, for 500 flyers.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Label | Value |
| 2 | Setup fee | $35.00 |
| 3 | Price per piece | $0.40 |
| 4 | Quantity | 500 |
| 5 | Total quote | $235.00 |
The formula
Add the fixed fee to the variable cost:
How it works
The two parts of the quote:
- The setup fee (B2) is charged once, no matter the quantity.
B3*B4multiplies the per-piece price by the quantity for the variable cost.- Adding them gives the total quote: 35 + (0.40 × 500) = $235.
- Excel does multiplication before addition, so no parentheses are needed.
Divide the total by quantity, =(B2+B3*B4)/B4, to show the effective price per piece (here $0.47).
Try it: interactive demo
Enter setup, per-piece price, and quantity — get the total.
Variations
Effective price per piece
Spread the whole quote across the quantity.
Add a rush surcharge
Apply a percentage uplift to the whole quote.
Pitfalls & errors
Quote the setup fee separately on the invoice, or small orders will look overpriced per piece without explanation.
Build a small quantity-break table so customers can see how the per-piece price drops as the order grows.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Why is the per-piece price higher than the unit price?
How do I show quantity discounts?
Can I add tax or a rush fee?
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