Calculating the translation price for a document is quite easy for us, but clients may have problems understanding how is their translation cost calculated. This article will explain how word count can be used to calculate your translation cost so you could better understand different quotes you get from different translation companies and be able to make a decision.
there are a few ways to calculate a translation price based on the number of words, and here are the main ones you might encounter in your quest of finding the most affordable provider.
How to calculate your translation price
Number of Words Varies Before and After Translation
If you compare your original document with its translation in another language you will notice that the number of words in a document normally changes after the document is translated. Sometimes after a document has been translated, you will see the number of words increases or decreases. The contraction and expansion of the number of the words of a document is a factor that should be considered and taken into account when the translation price is calculated.
The calculation of the price of translation varies from one translation company to another. However, this article will give you an idea of how the calculation for the price of the translation per word takes place or is done.
Basic Translation Cost Calculation per Word
So, for example, you have a document in English as a source text and want it translated into Spanish. A particular translation company may charge you for the number of the words in your source document, but others may charge you based on the number of words in the translated document. In this particular scenario, the first method will give you a better price. And that usually happens with all languages, in general the translation will have more words compared to the source document. That is why we at NordicTrans give you a price based on the number of words in your source document.
Factors to Be Considered in Calculating the Translation Price per Word
Furthermore, a particular translation company outthere will also consider the type of file you are sending, the field of expertise and the target language. The translation cost could be higher depending on those factors. Aside from this, other components are also considered such as revisions and updates which may increase the cost. Depending on how fast you need to have your translation, other companies may charge you more as they may have the so-called rush rates.
In general, those are direct factors that could influence your translation cost. With each quote you receive you need to ask what is included in the cost. With us it is easier to understand as we
- don’t charge extra rush or weekend rates
- we calculate your price based on the number of words in your source document, which will give you a better price
- whenever you need it we can use translation memory tools which will result in a lower price
- we have a flat rate per word no matter what language it is, even for rare languages
There are other factors that are not evidently visible during the initial stage apart from the ones mentioned above. In addition, other elements such as localization, linguistic specifications, and culture must also be considered. Lastly, additional data or documents might be added to the current document being translated. Hence, the price may vary along with other factors.
We have clearly mentioned how our option for you to calculate the translation price can benefit you in more than one ways. We have also elaborated how the processes work, yet we believe we left out one most important detail.
Being humans, it is our very basic instinct to compare prices whenever we buy something. There are plenty of translation services out there and you sure get tempted to try them on the basis of their low prices and exaggerated claims.
But here, we are providing you a transparent information with fair and clear pricing even before you choose to go with us. This is the proof that we have your best interest at heart. Depending on your translation project, nature of content and number of words, we project a clear picture for you. However, we do suggest that you keep our quality, affordability, expertise and services in mind before analyzing the price.
Translation Price
Several translation agencies won’t list translation prices, claiming that every project is different. Though, it’s necessary to know which particular pricing system they apply. The most common pricing method is per word, but you may also be priced per page, per hour or a flat fee. Each has its disadvantages and advantages, so be sure to ask for a complete description of what you’re spending for. With per word pricing, don’t skip to ask whether words are included at the source or after translation since texts can contract or expand during the process.
Faced with all the extra costs, it can be tempting to bring translation in-house, especially if your business needs consistent translation. Though, far from saving you cash, this can prove to be a meaningful investment that your company doesn’t require to make. The best way to know translation price, contact us, and we will get you a confirmed quote in a few minutes. We can take in to account the timing, translator availability, type of content and file formats to assure you get the best possible translation price.
