How much clearance do I need around my image?

Minimum 50 mm clearance from the image edge to the inner frame edge on all sides. For larger images (over 300 mm), use 20% of the longest image dimension. This space allows ink to pool and the squeegee to travel properly.

What mesh count should I use?

For textile printing: 60-90 threads/cm for bold graphics, 110-120 for fine detail. For paper: 120-160 for detail, 200+ for halftones. Higher mesh = finer detail but thinner ink deposit.

How do I choose the right squeegee length?

The squeegee should extend at least 25 mm beyond the image on each side. If the image is 200 mm wide, use a 250 mm squeegee. Too short leaves unprinted edges, too long wastes ink.

Yes — screens are reusable. Reclaim the screen by removing the stencil with screen reclaimer solution, degrease, and re-expose with a new design. Well-maintained screens last hundreds of reclaim cycles.

What is off-contact distance?

Off-contact is the gap between the screen and the substrate (typically 2-4 mm for paper, 3-6 mm for textiles). It ensures the mesh peels away cleanly after the squeegee passes, leaving a sharp print.

ArtCalcs

Screen Size Calculator — Screen Printing Frame Size

Calculate screen printing frame size based on image dimensions and clearance.

Image Width

Image Height

Mesh Count

How We Calculate This

How Screen Size Calculation Works

Inner frame = Image + Clearance (min 50 mm each side)

Outer frame = Inner + Frame profile (40 mm each side)

The clearance area allows ink to pool at the top and bottom of the stroke. The squeegee must be wider than the image. Frame profile width adds to the outer dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Edition Size Calculator

Plan your print edition with numbered prints, artist proofs, printer proofs and hors commerce. Calculate total impressions needed.

Ink Coverage Calculator

Calculate the amount of printing ink needed based on image area, coverage percentage and edition size. Covers all print methods.

Print Paper Size Calculator

Work out printmaking paper dimensions with correct margins and bleed allowance. Standard bottom-weighted margins for presentation.

Registration Calculator

Calculate registration mark positions for multi-colour printmaking alignment. Covers kento, pin and corner registration methods.

Plate Size Calculator

Work out etching, lino or woodcut plate dimensions including bevel allowance, handling margins and weight. Free online calculator.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.