Screen Printing vs Digital Cost: Which Is Cheaper for Your Print Run?

When budget matters, the question is not just which method looks best — it is which is cheaper for your quantity. Screen and digital printing have very different cost curves. Here is how to think about it.

Understanding screen printing vs digital cost

The screen printing vs digital cost comparison depends on quantity - digital wins on small runs, screen printing on larger ones.

How screen printing pricing works

Screen printing has an upfront setup cost per colour, but a low cost to print each additional item. So the price per shirt starts higher and falls fast as quantity grows. On big runs, it is hard to beat.

How digital (DTF) pricing works

Digital DTF has little or no setup, but each print costs roughly the same regardless of quantity. That makes it the cheaper option for small runs, and it handles unlimited colours without adding cost.

Finding your break-even point

For small quantities, digital usually wins on price. As numbers climb, screen printing overtakes it and becomes the cheaper choice per unit. The exact crossover depends on colours and garment, and we will work it out for your specific order.

We will pick the most economical route

You do not need to run the numbers yourself. Tell us your quantity and design and we will tell you which method is cheaper for you — printed in Durban and delivered nationwide, at the best price for your run.

Want the best price for your quantity? We'll work out whether screen or digital is cheaper for your run. Get a free quote at https://www.palscreenprinters.com/contact - printed in Durban and delivered nationwide, rated 4.9 stars by 240+ customers.