Translation cost is one of the most common questions we hear from clients. While there’s no universal answer, understanding how translation prices are calculated can help you plan your budget and choose the right partner for your project.
The cost of translation typically ranges from £0.08 to £0.20 per word, depending on the language pair, subject matter, turnaround time, and provider. Some translations are priced per page or per hour.
In this guide, we’ll cover what affects the cost of professional translation services, average pricing ranges, and why quality matters more than the cheapest quote.
What Is the Average Cost of Translation Services?
Most professional translation services charge by the word, but some charge by the hour, per page, or offer fixed project rates.
Here’s a guide to average UK translation pricing (in GBP):
| Service Type | Price Range |
| General text (per word) | £0.08 – £0.14 |
| Specialist/technical content (per word) | £0.12 – £0.20+ |
| Certified translation (per page) | £30 – £60 |
| Hourly rates for specialist services | £30 – £60+ per hour |
Keep in mind: These rates vary depending on factors such as language combination, turnaround time, and subject complexity.
What Factors Affect Translation Cost?
Several factors can increase or reduce the total cost of translation:
1. Language Pair
Translating from English to Spanish is generally cheaper than translating from English to Icelandic or Japanese, due to supply and demand.
2. Subject Matter
Legal, technical, and medical texts require specialist translators and often cost more.
3. Volume of Content
Larger projects may qualify for volume discounts. Most agencies quote per word.
4. Urgency
Need it tomorrow? Expect to pay a rush fee.
5. Certification Requirements
Certified translations, needed for legal or official use, are priced higher due to extra admin steps.
6. Quality Assurance
Agencies that follow multi-step QA processes and peer reviews may charge slightly more — but deliver greater accuracy and consistency.
7. Additional Services
Services such as localisation, transcreation, desktop publishing (DTP), and project management will also affect the total cost.
Translation Agency vs Freelancer – Does It Affect Cost?
Yes — it can.
- Freelancers may charge less per word, but availability, QA, and scalability vary.
- Agencies often include quality control, project management, and a wider language offering — providing better value for complex or ongoing projects.
Read more: Translation Agency vs Freelancer
A Clear Understanding of Different Translation Pricing Models
The cost of translation services can be structured in several key ways, each with its own implications for budgeting and project management. These primary models include charging based on the number of words in the source text, the amount of time spent by the translator, a fixed fee for smaller projects, or a custom price determined by the overall scope and complexity of the undertaking.
A visual representation can help clarify these different approaches:
Why Professional Translation Represents a Strategic Investment
While the initial cost is a natural consideration, it is crucial to focus on the value that professional translation ultimately brings to your organisation:
- Accuracy and Clear Communication: Engaging skilled human translators guarantees that your intended message is conveyed with accuracy, safeguarding your brand reputation and mitigating the risk of costly errors in international markets.
- Cultural Appropriateness and Market Resonance: Expert translators possess a deep understanding of cultural nuances and target audience expectations, ensuring that your communication resonates effectively and prevents unintended offence.
- Brand Consistency Across Languages: Maintaining a consistent brand voice builds trust and recognition in global markets.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Accurate translation is essential for legal documents and compliance materials, mitigating risks and ensuring adherence to international regulations.
- Time and Resource Efficiency: Outsourcing translation to professionals saves your internal team valuable time and resources.
- Global Growth Opportunities: High-quality translation is a key enabler for successful international expansion.
- Risk Mitigation in International Communication: Investing in professional translation minimises the risks associated with inaccurate or culturally insensitive communication.
At Langbox, we provide clear, fair pricing with no surprises. Whether you need a one-off certified translation or ongoing multilingual support, we’re here to help.
Get a personalised quote now — fast turnaround, expert translators, and tailored service.
