Print Estimating: 10 Week Continuing Education Course
Print Estimating
First Session Starts Wednesday, September 9, 2026
1:00 – 3:00 CST
2:00 – 4:00 EST
Cost: $725.00 per person
Graphic communications business profits are directly related to optimal production plans and accurate cost estimates. Entry-level managerial and production positions require knowledge of production planning, which is the first step to estimating production costs, understanding which jobs made profits, scheduling production, and inventory of materials and supplies. In most businesses large and small, these functions are typically carried out with an MIS (Management Information System). While we cannot teach the fundamentals of each MIS, we can teach the underlying principles of cost estimating and provide a broader understanding of the math and functionality that goes into the individual MIS.
This course is 10 weeks long and features homework.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Use paper and pencil to analyze specifications, make a production plan, and determine an estimate of cost.
- Develop a spreadsheet to calculate an all-inclusive hourly rate given appropriate data.
- Explain the various methods of determining and maintaining accurate production standards.
- Calculate a changeover point among various printing presses.
This course is situated as an online synchronous course, meaning it will meet via Zoom once per week for ten weeks. Students will be provided instruction on the topics, followed by opportunities to work through practice activities as a group. Students will also be provided take home activities that will allow them to implement the lesson content to test and build their skills.
Software/Hardware Needed:
- Personal computer with internet access, webcam, speaker, and microphone for class communication.
- Microsoft Word or similar word processing application Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet application
- Printer (for many it is easier to complete the math activities with paper and pencil)
- Scanning/Camera to submit homework for review and feedback
Tentative Course Schedule:
9/9 Week 1 Orientation; Business Dynamics, Time Standards, Workflow
9/16 Week 2 Substrates; Paper sizing and weights; Metric vs. US
9/23 Week 3 Pricing Rolls and Cut Sheets (US and Metric)
9/30 Week 4 Production Planning: Press Considerations and Imposition
10/7 Week 5 Signature Planning for Press
10/14 Week 6 Flatbed and Roll-fed Inkjet Estimates
10/21 Week 7 Digital Press Estimates
10/28 Week 8 Offset Press Estimates
11/4 Week 9 Developing Hourly Rates for Cost Centers; Changeover Point
11/11 Week 10 Estimating Finishing (folders, cutters, saddle stitching)
