Free Translator Quote Template
Translators quote per word because the source text determines exactly how much work is involved. A quote also fixes the language pair, the turnaround, and whether DTP formatting or certified delivery is included.
Currency
Live Preview
How does a translator write a quote?
A translation quote sets out the planned work and the price before it starts, such as a document translation, a second-linguist review, and a glossary. List the language pair, the word count, and the rate basis, and note that complex or specialist text can change the figure. The price is an estimate until accepted.
Typical line items
- Document translation (English to German)
- Proofreading and QA by second linguist
- Terminology glossary creation
- Source word count and language pair
- Subject-matter or specialist surcharge
- Formatting and layout to match source
- Per-word or per-page rate
- Rush or expedited fee (if needed)
How the work is charged
Translators usually quote a per-word or per-page rate by language pair, with a second-linguist review and specialist surcharge itemised. The figure assumes a stated word count and subject.
Payment terms and deposits
A quote often proposes a deposit to begin, with the balance on delivery. The price holds for a stated period and is an estimate until accepted, so note what specialist text would add.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, show it as a separate line with your registration number. Confirm the tax treatment that applies to language services where you work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does professional translation cost per word?
Standard professional translation rates range from €0.10 to €0.20 per word depending on the language pair and subject matter. Common pairs like English to French or German sit at €0.10 to €0.14. Rare language pairs or highly technical content cost €0.15 to €0.25 or more. Certified translation for legal documents adds a premium.
What does a translation quote need to specify?
State the source and target language, the word count (based on the source), the subject area, the turnaround time, and whether the fee includes proofreading by a second translator. If the text requires DTP formatting (preserving layout in InDesign or Word), quote that separately.
Why is translation priced differently from interpreting?
Translation is written and asynchronous: the translator works with a text and produces a written output. Interpreting is live and real-time, requiring different cognitive skills. Interpreters charge per hour or per day for on-site work. Translators charge per word. Quoting the wrong service is a common client mistake.
Related quote templates
Read the complete quoting guide to see how to price a job and turn an accepted quote into an invoice.
Back to Quote Generator →