How the translation fee is calculated and what affects the price of the translation

A unit of measurement in the translation industry

When first contacting a translation agency, most clients ask a logical question: "How much does it cost to translate one page?" However, in professional translation, the term "page" has a completely different meaning than what we are used to in everyday life. While to the layman a page is a single sheet of paper, the translation industry uses a standardized unit of measurement known astranslation page. Understanding this standard is crucial so that you can accurately budget zaprevod services and avoid misunderstandings when calculating the price.

What is a standard translation page and how was it created?

According to the valid standards in Serbia and most European countries,one translation page is exactly 1,800 characters with spaces. A character means every letter, number, punctuation mark and empty space between words (space) that the translator types during work. This standard dates back to the days of typewriters. Namely, the average typewritten page had about 30 lines, and each line contained an average of 60 strokes, which gives exactly 1,800 characters. Although typewriters have long been replaced by computers and word processing software, the unit of measurement has remained unchanged because it realistically reflects the amount of mental work and time required to translate a particular text.

Difference between physical and translation side

A physical page of paper (A4 format) can contain a drastically different amount of text depending on font size, line spacing, margins and the presence of tables or images. Let's look at examples that best illustrate this:

• Contracts and legal documents:They are often written in a small font (eg Arial 9pt) with minimal margins and thick spacing. One such physical page of A4 format can contain up to 4,000 or 5,000 characters, which means that it realistically carries between 2.5 and 3 translation pages.
• Diplomas and transcripts:They contain very little text distributed throughout the paper (name, surname, name of institution, date). Physically, they take up an entire sheet of paper, but in characters they usually have less than 1,000 characters. However, according to the rule of the profession, each individual documentary testimony or extract that is translated as a separate document is calculated as a minimum of one whole translation page.
• Presentations and marketing catalogs:They contain a lot of pictures and some text in large font. A few tens of presentation slides can make up only 3 or 4 translation pages in the total number of characters.

How can you calculate the number of translation pages yourself?

Thanks to modern word processing programs, calculating the number of translation pages is extremely simple. If you useMicrosoft Word, follow these steps:

1. Open the document you want to translate.
2. In the lower left corner, click on the wordWords(or select the *Word Count* option in the *Review* menu).
3. In the window that opens, find the itemCharacters (with spaces)i.e. *Space characters*.
4. Divide that number by 1,800 and you will get the exact number of translation pages. For example, if your document has 9,000 characters with spaces, the calculation is: 9,000 / 1,800 = exactly 5 translation pages.

It is important to note that the calculation is always based onof the translated (target) text, and not the original one. The reason lies in the fact that the length of the text changes when switching from one language to another. For example, a text translated from Serbian to English is usually shortened by 10% to 15% due to grammatical structures, while a translation from English to German or Russian is usually lengthened.

Factors influencing the formation of the translation price

In addition to the number of translation pages, the final price of translation services is influenced by several other important factors that the translation agency takes into account when making an offer:

• Language combination:Translations into common languages ​​(English, German) have a lower price per page because there are a large number of translators on the market. Translations into rarer languages ​​(eg Chinese, Arabic, Scandinavian languages) have a higher price due to the shortage of professional staff.
• Complexity and expertise of the text:General texts and correspondence require less time. Specialized texts (e.g. medical findings, patents, contracts, technical specifications) require deep terminology research and the work of narrowly profiled experts, which affects the price.
• Delivery deadline (Urgency):The standard daily capacity of a translator is between 6 and 8 translation pages. If the client requires the delivery of a large amount of text in an extremely short period of time, it requires overtime work or hiring several translators at the same time, which is treated as an urgent translation and carries an increase in price.

AgencyAlfa prevod d.o.o.applies transparent billing standards and always provides clients with a detailed assessment before starting work. For all large-scale projects, book translations or long-term cooperation with companies, we provide special conditions and volume discounts.

Process control and safety standards

In the professional sphere of translation, quality is not left to chance. Every translated document in our agency goes through strictly defined stages of control. The first step is the selection of a translator who has proven experience in the professional sphere (eg a lawyer for contracts, a mechanical engineer for manuals). After the completion of the first stage of translation, the document is forwarded to an independent proofreader who checks and removes stylistic deviations. The final step is proofreading and checking the accuracy of numbers, dates and formats before delivery.

The security of your sensitive corporate or personal data is guaranteed. All our translators sign strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and documents are transmitted exclusively through encrypted channels and stored on secure servers in accordance with GDPR regulations.

Checklist for clients

• Determine whether the certification of a court interpreter is necessary for the needs of foreign authorities.
• Find out if the original document needs an Apostille stamp before sending it zaprevod.
• Prepare an internal glossary with specific corporate terminology if your company has already adopted standards.
• Clearly indicate deadlines and language directions (eg direct translation from German to English).
• Submit documentation in as clear and readable an electronic format as possible.

By following these steps, you ensure the quick implementation of the project without subsequent delays and administration with foreign institutions.