Banners are measured in inches but priced by the square foot. Divide width times height by 144 to convert, multiply by your rate, and let MAX enforce the shop minimum.
A 48×96 banner is 32 sq ft; at $7 that is $224. An 18×24 yard sign computes $21 but bills the $40 minimum.
The example
Three jobs measured in inches, with a per-square-foot rate and shop minimum.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sign | Width (in) | Height (in) | $ / sq ft | Min | Price |
| 2 | Storefront banner | 48 | 96 | $7.00 | $40 | $224.00 |
| 3 | Yard sign | 18 | 24 | $7.00 | $40 | $40.00 |
| 4 | Event backdrop | 96 | 120 | $6.50 | $40 | $520.00 |
The formula
The 144 turns square inches into square feet:
How it works
Three steps hide inside one formula:
B2*C2is the area in square inches.- Dividing by
144converts to square feet (12 × 12 inches per square foot). - Multiply by the rate
D2, andMAXfloors the result at your minimumE2.
Keep separate rates per material — 13 oz vinyl, mesh, and fabric all print at different costs.
Try it: interactive demo
Enter the size in inches, your rate, and the shop minimum.
Variations
Add finishing
Hems and grommets are usually a per-linear-foot or flat add.
Price in whole square feet
Round the footage up before pricing if you bill whole feet.
Pitfalls & errors
Forgetting the /144 prices in square inches — a 48×96 banner would quote at $32,256 instead of $224.
Set the minimum to cover setup, material loading, and trimming — small pieces cost nearly as much labor as big ones.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
Why divide by 144?
Do grommets and hems go in the rate?
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