Brochures are one of the most affordable print products you can use to promote your business, event, or product. And if you're planning to print some, you probably want to know how much you will have to shell out.
Brochure printing doesn’t really come with a fixed cost because brochures are typically customized and the pricing depends on several factors. This UPrinting guide explains what goes into brochure pricing, average costs, and practical ways to save on printing without sacrificing quality.
How Much Does It Cost to Print Brochures?
Brochures printing usually cost $0.15 to $2.50 per piece, depending on the printer. At UPrinting, prices range between $212 and $246 (approximately $0.42 to $0.49) per brochure. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on the quantity, size, material, printing option, and turnaround time you choose.
Brochure Printing Cost by Fold Type
Estimated prices based on 500 pieces of 8.5” x 11” brochures using 100 lb. paper with gloss finish, full-color double-sided printing, and a 3-business-day turnaround.
| Fold Type | Total Price | Cost per Brochure |
|---|---|---|
| No Fold | $212.00 | $0.42 |
| Standard Folds* | $224.25 | $0.45 |
| Gate and Double Gate Fold | $230.25 | $0.46 |
| Half Fold Then Trifold | $245.80 | $0.49 |
*Includes bifold (half-fold), trifold, Z-fold, accordion fold, roll fold, double parallel fold, and French fold.
What this means: Most standard fold styles cost the same, but specialty folds cost more because they require additional folding during production. If you’re looking for the most affordable fold type, choose standard options like the No fold, bifold, and trifold.
How Paper Type and Size Affect Pricing
Estimated prices based on 500 brochures, full-color printing (outside and inside), and a 3-business-day turnaround.
| Size and Paper Stock | Fold | Total Price | Cost Per Brochure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.25" x 5.5", 100 lb. Gloss | No Fold | $71.20 | $0.14 |
| 4.25" x 5.5", 100 lb. Matte | No Fold | $77.65 | $0.16 |
| 5.5" x 8.5", 100 lb. Gloss | Trifold | $141.65 | $0.28 |
| 5.5" x 8.5", 100 lb. Matte | Trifold | $154.55 | $0.31 |
| 8.5" x 11", 100 lb. Gloss | Trifold | $224.25 | $0.45 |
| 8.5" x 11", 100 lb. Matte | Trifold | $247.50 | $0.49 |
| 8.5" x 14", 100 lb. Gloss | Trifold | $314.90 | $0.63 |
| 8.5" x 14", 100 lb. Matte | Trifold | $349.70 | $0.70 |
| 9" x 12", 100 lb. Gloss | Trifold | $249.20 | $0.50 |
| 9" x 12", 100 lb. Matte | Trifold | $275.00 | $0.55 |
| 11" x 17", 100 lb. Gloss | Trifold | $382.35 | $0.76 |
| 11" x 17", 100 lb. Matte | Trifold | $503.05 | $1.01 |
What this means: Paper stock and brochure size have a bigger impact on printing costs than just the fold type alone. Smaller brochures use less paper and are usually the cheapest, while larger sizes and premium paper stocks increase the cost per piece.
6 Factors That Affect Brochure Printing Cost
Below are several factors that determine how much you’ll pay for brochure printing.
1. Quantity
The number of brochures you order can influence their printing cost; the setup cost, not necessarily. You see, the setup process is the same whether you’re printing 100 brochures or 10,000. Setup costs are usually spread across the entire order, and the more you order brochures, the less expensive each piece is. So, while ordering in bulk can save you money, not all brochure are meant to be produced in large quantities such as those for one-time events or seasonal promos. In the case of the latter, ordering a smaller quantity would be the more practical choice.
2. Size
Larger brochures require more paper and ink, so they often cost more. Standard brochure sizes are the most affordable because they fit efficiently on commercial printing sheets. They also allow room for text, photos, and graphics without increasing production costs.
3. Paper Stock
Paper stock doesn’t just affect the cost of your brochures, it also affects their visual impact. Standard paper stock is usually the most budget-friendly choice and is ideal for everyday marketing materials. Meanwhile, thicker and heavier paper stock feels more premium and can cost more because it uses more and at times better material and may require additional handling.
4. Fold Type
Simple folds cost less than specialty folds. Standard folds like the bifold and trifold are some of the most affordable options because they require less finishing. On the other hand, specialty folds like gate fold and French fold take additional time to produce, which contributes to their overall cost.
5. Coating and Finish
Adding a protective coating to your brochures can improve their durability and appearance, but it can also increase their printing costs. Coating options such as gloss, matte, and UV finishes help resist fingerprints, moisture, and everyday wear. If your brochures will be handled often or displayed for extended periods, adding a protective coating may be worth the investment. However, if your brochures are only meant for short-term use, skipping the coating can help reduce printing costs.
6. Turnaround Time and Shipping
Rush printing and faster shipping can increase the total price. Standard turnaround times are usually cheaper because they’re scheduled as part of the regular production workflow. If you need your orders immediately, rush shipping may incur additional fees.
How to Save Money on Brochure Printing
Printing brochures doesn’t have to break your budget. Use these tips to save money and lower printing costs:
- Choose standard sizes and paper stocks. These common sizes and materials usually cost less to print. Premium paper stocks and specialty finishes are more expensive and can add to your final cost. If your project is for short-term promotions, events, or product handouts, choose standard paper — it gives you the quality you need at a lower cost.
- Use a simple fold style, such as a trifold or bifold. They require less finishing than specialty folds, making them a practical choice for most marketing campaigns.
- Order larger quantities. Buying in bulk may seem pricier, but the price per brochure decreases as you order more. This also saves you time from restocking and placing several small orders throughout the year.
- Use standard turnaround. Order your brochures before your deadline to take advantage of standard production schedules. Rush production and expedited shipping can cost more than standard turnaround times.
- Compare your printing options in a product calculator before ordering. Most online printers let you adjust specifications to see how each change affects the price. This helps you find the right balance between cost, quality, and turnaround time.
Estimate Your Brochure Printing Cost
The easiest way to estimate brochure costs is to use an online pricing calculator. With online calculators, you can select your preferred specifications such as size, materials, fold type, printing options, and turnaround time. As you customize these options, the estimated price updates instantly, making it easy to explore different configurations, avoid unexpected costs, and make changes that fit your budget without compromising quality.
If you’re ready to compare options, browse UPrinting’s selection of affordable brochure printing to get your price estimate and start your order before checkout.
Get More Value From Every Brochure
Whether you're printing a few brochures or thousands, considering factors like quantity, size, paper stock, and turnaround can affect your final cost. Planning and comparing your options before placing an order helps ensure you get professional-looking brochures that fit both your goals and your budget, and that you get the most value from your investment.
