How much do translation services cost? This is the most common question posed by representatives from businesses that I speak to on a regular basis. The simplest answer is that the cost of translation services varies based on many different factors. There is no common formula that can be applied to any document to quickly calculate the price of a translation. Each type of text is different, and each language pair has different demands.

Translation is a process with many different steps, some of them optional. Many translation companies employ a process called TEP, which stands for “Translation, Edit, and Proofread.” Using this method, each document is first translated by a native-speaking linguist, then edited by a second native-speaking linguist, and finally the translation is proofread for clarity.

If you need a certified translation, the best companies will require that your document be translated, edited, and proofread before being certified. Your translation company may offer translation without editing, for a lower price, but in accordance with their policy. If it isn’t translated and edited, it can’t be certified. This is how opting for certain procedures can have an impact on overall pricing.

The cost of translation services is usually based on the number of words in a text. Translation prices are usually based on word counts and per-word rates of so many cents per word because it is the most efficient way to measure language volume. The number of words on a page can vary greatly depending on font, font size, use of margins, and paper size. This is why charging per page is not very practical. The word count, however, paints a relatively consistent picture of the length of time required and amount of work involved in a translation.

Word count is not the only factor used in determining the cost of translation services. If content is particularly technical or if the words appear to be sparse but there is a lot of formatting involved, other translations costs may have to be added. Generally speaking though, the word is a unit the language industry can depend upon to determine pricing.

Translation pricing can also vary based on the use of certain software tools. Translation service providers often use Translation Memory (TM), which a tool that uniquely remembers and recalls previously translated words and phrases. Translators can use this software to fill in certain words while typing their translations, and therefore, discounts can be offered based on the number of repeated words. Such discounts can save businesses substantial amounts on document translation services.

These are some of the factors that come into play when determining translation service costs, all of which contribute to the overall goal of top quality translated content. With numerous details and variables to take into account, it’s no wonder there isn’t a quick and easy answer to the question about the cost of translation services. Navigating the considerations that surround a single translation often requires as much thought and expertise as the translation itself.