Translation costs can escalate quickly if they are not managed properly. So how do you accurately estimate the cost of a translation project?
Understanding What Influences Translation Costs
A translation project involves far more than simply converting text from one language to another. Several factors influence the final price, and knowing them helps you plan and control your budget effectively.
1. Number of Words and Pages
The most direct factor in determining cost is the total word count. The more text a document contains, the more time is required for translation, proofreading, quality assurance, and project management.
2. Type of Files and Assets to Be Translated
The file format has a significant impact on pricing:
- Editable formats (Word, simple text files) are faster and cheaper to process because translation tools can extract the text cleanly.
- Design-heavy documents (InDesign, brochures, marketing materials) require a designer to adjust layouts, fonts, and spacing after translation.
- Images and graphics may need localization or text replacement, which increases design time.
- Websites can be more complex if the text is embedded in code. It is always best to provide clean text exports rather than HTML files when possible.
To reduce costs, avoid mixing code and text. Most CMS platforms (like WordPress) allow you to extract raw text for translation and reinsert it later, preserving your layout while minimizing formatting work.
3. Translation, Proofreading & Quality Assurance
A professional translation process typically includes:
- Translation
- Proofreading by a second linguist
- Final eye / quality control
While skipping proofreading may seem cheaper, it introduces risks such as inaccuracies, inconsistent terminology, and potentially costly corrections later. We strongly recommend having at least two linguists involved to ensure accuracy, consistency, and high quality.
4. Video and Audio Translation
Projects involving multimedia tend to be more expensive. Video translation may require:
- Subtitling
- Dubbing or voice-over
- Studio recording
- Hiring voice actors
Subtitling is usually more affordable than dubbing, but the right choice depends on your needs and audience expectations.
5. Source and Target Languages
Translation costs vary depending on language pairs. Some languages are more expensive due to limited availability of qualified translators. For example:
- Higher cost: Nordic languages, Japanese, Korean
- Moderate cost: English, French, German
- Lower cost: Spanish, Portuguese
Costs also vary depending on where translators are based, as rates reflect regional living standards.
6. Deadlines and Project Complexity
Urgent projects may require several translators working simultaneously, which increases coordination time and cost. To ensure consistency across multiple linguists, project managers must create glossaries, enforce terminology rules, and conduct thorough quality checks.
7. Requesting an Accurate Translation Quote
To avoid surprises and stay within budget, always request a detailed quote before starting your project. Identify all assets to be translated, define the timeline, and clarify your target audience.
We are happy to analyze your documents and provide a precise, obligation-free quote.
Contact us anytime — we will gladly review your files and advise you on the most cost-efficient approach for your translation project.