Translation Quote Template
Translation is quoted on source word count, but specialist terms, formatting and certification change the price. List them so a legal contract is not priced like a blog post.
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Example line items
| Item | Unit | Qty | Example price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translation, general | source word | 3,000 | 0.08–0.18 / word |
| Specialist surcharge (legal or medical) | source word | 3,000 | +0.03–0.08 / word |
| Proofreading by second linguist | source word | 3,000 | 0.03–0.06 / word |
| Formatting (layout match) | page | 10 | 5–20 / page |
| Certified translation stamp | document | 1 | 30–80 |
Amounts are examples before tax, not price advice. Add sales tax or VAT where it applies.
What to put on the quote
- Language pair, source word count and file type.
- Subject area and terminology or glossary provided.
- Proofreading, formatting and certification.
- Delivery date and rush surcharge.
Common mistakes
- Quoting before seeing the file (scans and tables take longer).
- Not mentioning a minimum fee for short texts.
- Missing that certification is required by the receiving office.
Deposit, balance and validity
Small jobs paid upfront; companies often pay on 30-day terms. Quote valid for 14 days. Rush delivery (under 48 hours) carries a surcharge.
Questions people ask
Source or target word count?
Source word count is standard because it is known before you start. Say which.
Is there a minimum fee?
Most translators have one for short texts. Write it.
Do you keep the files confidential?
State your confidentiality practice; offer an NDA for sensitive material.