Why Isn’t Translation Pricing Calculated Per Page?
At CETA Translation Center, we explain the transparency and client benefits of our “word count” pricing system
Almost every client who contacts our translation center starts the conversation with the same question: “How much does it cost to translate one page of this document?”
This is a very natural question. However, our answer is usually the same: “We don’t calculate prices per page, we calculate them based on the exact word count.”
So why have we moved away from the traditional concept of a “page” and chosen the internationally accepted word-count standard instead? And how does this approach actually help you save money?
1. Why is the concept of a “page” misleading?
A physical “page” is a highly variable unit of measurement. Imagine you have two A4 documents:
Document 1: Written in a large font (14 pt) with wide line spacing. It contains only 100 words.
Document 2: Written in a small font (8 pt), tightly spaced. It contains 800 words.
Both documents are physically one page.
If we charged the same price for both, the first client would be overpaying for very little content, while in the second case, the translator’s effort would not be properly compensated.
To eliminate this kind of inequality, CETA Translation Center applies a word-based pricing system.
2. Three advantages of word-based pricing for clients
This system is not just convenient for us — it is actually the most transparent and client-friendly method:
Accurate payment: You pay only for the words that are translated. There is no need to pay for empty spaces, images, or logos on the page.
Transparency: The price is not estimated “by eye.” It is calculated using professional software. If your document contains 1,300 words, you pay for 1,300 words — not a word more, not a word less.
International standard: This method is used by the world’s leading companies and translation agencies. By applying this standard, we ensure our service quality meets global expectations.
3. Other factors that affect pricing
Word count is the main criterion, but it is not the only one. The price of a 100-word text may vary depending on the following factors:
Language pair: English and Russian are usually priced more affordably, while other language combinations may have higher rates.
Subject matter: Translating the sentence “Today everything is beautiful” does not require the same effort as translating “Hydraulic pump operating instructions.” Technical, medical, and legal texts require specialized expertise, which may affect pricing.
Urgency: If a project is needed today instead of tomorrow, additional resources are allocated, and an urgent rate applies.
How does the process work at CETA?
Working with us is simple:
You send us your document (Word or PDF format).
Our software analyzes the exact word count.
We provide you with a clear, final price based on the word count.
There are no surprises later, no situations like “the page count increased.”
Would you like to know the exact word count and translation cost of your document? Then simply contact us via email, and we will be happy to assist you.