The cost calculation method, common in the language services industry, determines pricing based on the number of words in the source text. For example, a document containing 1,000 words, translated at a price of $0.10 per word, would result in a total translation cost of $100. This approach provides a relatively straightforward and predictable way for both clients and providers to estimate project expenses.
This pricing structure offers transparency and allows for easier budget planning. It is a widely accepted standard, facilitating comparisons between different language service providers. Its origins can be traced to the early days of professional translation, where manual counting of words was a practical method for determining fair compensation. The benefit lies in its simplicity and the perception of a clear connection between the amount of work and the resulting fee.
