Tattoo Stencil Size Calculator
Upload your tattoo design, enter the target dimensions for the placement, and print at true physical size using your browser. Aspect ratio locked by default. Nothing uploaded - everything stays on your device.
JPG, PNG, SVG, WebP
Tattoo stencil printing and sizing
How to print at true physical size
The calculator uses CSS centimetre units to scale your image so it prints at exactly 1:1 physical size. When you enter "5 cm × 3 cm" and click "Print at actual size," the image is sized to exactly 50 mm × 30 mm on the page. In your browser's print dialog, disable "Fit to page" or "Scale to fit" - those options override the CSS sizing. Check "Print backgrounds" if your stencil design has color, otherwise just the outline prints.
Placement sizing and anatomy considerations
Tattoo sizes are limited by body anatomy. A wrist band wraps around 15-20 cm, but the height is only 4-6 cm due to the wrist's width. A chest piece can be 20-30 cm wide but must fit between shoulders and ribs. An upper arm piece is typically 8-12 cm wide and 6-10 cm tall. Never print larger than necessary - oversized designs hurt more and heal worse. Take reference photos of your client's placement and measure it before printing.
FAQ
Can I print on standard letter or A4 paper?
Yes, but designs larger than 21 × 29.7 cm (A4) or 21.6 × 27.9 cm (letter) will be cropped or spread across multiple pages. The calculator warns if your design exceeds A4 size. For larger designs, print on multiple pages and tape them together, or use a poster-printing service.
What file formats work best for tattoo stencils?
PNG (transparent background), JPG, SVG, and PDF all work. PNG is best because you can have a clear stencil with no background. High-contrast images (pure black and white) transfer better than grayscale - adjust levels or posterize before printing.
How do I transfer the printed stencil to skin?
Print the stencil on thin paper or stencil paper (not heavyweight cardstock). Use stencil ink or a photocopier transfer method. Apply stencil ink to the back side, press onto clean, dry skin for 10-30 seconds depending on the method. The print quality matters - use a good printer or copy shop.