If you’re planning to get inked, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “How much will my tattoo cost?” To make things easier, we’ve put together a complete guide that breaks down everything you need to know before booking your session.

Inside this guide, you’ll find:

• A tattoo cost calculator to help you estimate the price of your design
• Real examples of what people actually paid for different tattoos, including black and grey realism tattoos.
• Price tables and helpful tips to understand what influences the cost
• A breakdown of aftercare expenses, including products you’ll need — something most guides overlook

We designed this resource to give you a transparent, realistic idea of what you can expect to spend, from your first appointment all the way through aftercare. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, this guide (and our tattoo cost calculator) will help you plan with confidence.

Tattoo Cost Calculator

Estimating an exact tattoo price without speaking directly with the artist can be tricky. Every tattoo is unique, and the final cost depends on factors such as the design, size, placement, level of detail, and the artist’s experience. Still, we can give you realistic price ranges to help you understand what to expect before you book.

If you’d like a personalised estimate for your own design, click here to jump straight to it.

Why Prices Vary

Every tattoo is different, and several elements influence the final cost:

• Size – Larger tattoos take more time and ink
• Detail – Realism, fine linework, dotwork, or colour cost more
• Placement – Areas like ribs or spine can increase time
• Artist expertise – Highly skilled or in-demand artists charge more
• Time needed – Some tattoos are priced by session or by the day

When speaking with an artist, it’s always a good idea to ask about:

• Their minimum charge
• Their hourly rate
• A ballpark estimate for your exact design
• Any additional costs, such as aftercare products or touch-ups

The following price examples come from quotes provided by London tattoo artists and our own in-house team.

Real Tattoo Cost Examples

Full back piece (black & grey realism): £3,600 – £5,000
Dotwork skull moth: £240 – £280
Full-day session (black & grey realism): £400 – £500
Small family text tattoo: £120 – £140
Minimal small design: £60 – £80
Inner & outer sleeve: £1,400 – £2,500

Tattoo Cost Based on Size

Size has a big influence on price, though design complexity and colour can push the cost higher.

In the UK, a typical tattoo usually falls between £60 and £120, depending on size.

Here are some reliable size-based estimates:

• Minimal wave on ankle / small paper plane on wrist: £60 – £90
• Credit card–sized design: £120 – £140
• Palm-sized tattoo: £210 – £240
• Hand-sized tattoo: £240 – £280
• Forearm-sized area (high detail like Realism or Portraits): £350 – £500
• Detailed half-sleeve: £700 – £1,000
• Full sleeve (starting price): From £1,400

Minimum Charge for a Tattoo

All tattoo artists have a minimum fee, usually between £60 and £100. This covers:

• Setup time
• Equipment and hygiene preparation
• Studio costs
• Smaller designs that take a short time

At Liverpool Tattoos, our minimum charge is:

• £60 for experienced artists
• Lower rates available for trainee artists

Always check what’s included in your artist’s minimum price—some include small tattoos in that base fee.