Choosing between DTF transfers by size and a DTF gang sheet is one of the most important decisions when preparing apparel in volume. Both formats print at the same high quality, both require no minimums, and both can ship the same day at Sumotransfers. But cost efficiency shifts dramatically depending on whether you’re ordering one placement at a time or filling an entire 22-inch sheet with repeated designs.
This guide explains how each format works, why the cost difference can be significant, and how to make the most economical choice when preparing bulk orders, drop collections, event merch, or restocks.
How By-Size Ordering Works (Precision for Single Designs)
DTF transfers by size are ideal when you need one design at a specific dimension—such as a 10–12 inch front print, a 7–9 inch youth print, a 3–4 inch left-chest logo, or a 2×11 inch sleeve graphic. Instead of paying for a full sheet, you pay only for one precise piece.
This format eliminates trimming and layout work entirely. If you routinely produce the same logo, run branded uniforms, or keep consistent placements across an apparel line, by-size ordering offers predictable pricing and a clean workflow. The transfer arrives cut to the measurement you selected, and pressing takes only seconds.
For small, one-design batches, dtf by size pricing is often the simpler and faster option.
How Gang Sheets Work (Maximum Savings for Volume & Variety)
A DTF gang sheet packs multiple designs onto one vertical sheet, always printed at 22 inches wide at Sumotransfers. Heights range from 22×24 up to 22×60 and beyond. This is the format used by high-volume sellers because it lets you fill every inch with usable artwork—full fronts, youth sizes, left-chest logos, sleeve strips, or accessory prints.
This is where cost efficiency grows. A gang sheet charges by area, so when you place multiple pieces inside the sheet, your cost per transfer drops sharply. For collections, bundles, boutique sellers, or creators producing multiple designs in one drop, nothing beats the savings of a well-filled sheet.
That’s precisely why dtf gang sheet builder tools are standard across the industry, and why Sumotransfers offers its own 22-inch builder for arranging true-size artwork on a live canvas.
Which One Saves More? (The Real Cost Logic)
The answer comes down to how much space your designs occupy.
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If you only need one placement, paying for a full sheet wastes area.
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If you need multiple designs, even if they’re small, the sheet quickly becomes the more economical choice.
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If your batch includes mixed adult/youth sizes, the sheet eliminates multiple per-size purchases.
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If you prepare for markets, events, or holiday drops, sheets provide the lowest dtf bulk order savings across large batches.
How Much Fits on a 22×60 Sheet?
A 22×60 sheet provides a surprising amount of usable space. While layout varies by design ratios, these averages offer a clear picture:
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Roughly 10–12 full-front prints at 10 inches wide
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Approximately 9–10 full-front prints at 11 inches wide
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Around 8–9 full-front prints at 12 inches wide
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Approximately 40–55 left-chest logos between 3 and 4 inches
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Roughly 20–28 sleeve prints at 2×11 inches
These estimates help determine whether the sheet delivers stronger savings than dtf transfers by size for your specific project.
If you’re planning a large drop and want to estimate ahead of time, these numbers reflect realistic sheet yields and align with the kind of capacity logic behind terms like dtf gang sheet calculator online.
When By Size Is Better?
Even though gang sheets dominate bulk savings, by-size ordering wins when:
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You need one design and want no trimming
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You are fulfilling a single replacement print
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You want exact placement without rearranging artwork
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Your volume is low enough that filling a sheet isn't cost-effective
Creators who produce repeating logos for uniforms or branded merch often stick to by-size ordering because the workflow is clean and predictable—especially if they are ordering dozens of the same size.
When Gang Sheets Save the Most?
A gang sheet wins when:
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You’re running multiple designs at once
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You need mixed placements (fronts + youth + sleeves + chest logos)
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You are prepping for seasonal drops or vendor markets
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You want to stock inventory ahead of time
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You want the absolute lowest dtf price per square inch
This is also the format most used for bulk orders because it allows every part of the sheet—large prints, small patches, or repeated logos—to contribute to your total savings.
Using Sumotransfers’ Builder for True-Size Layout
Sumotransfers’ DTF gang sheet builder simplifies the layout process entirely:
Instead of arranging files in external design software, you upload your print-ready PNGs (full size, 300 DPI, and do not mirror), then place and resize them directly on a live 22-inch canvas. The builder keeps proportions accurate, helps align designs, and ensures you never exceed sheet boundaries.
Once your sheet is arranged, you approve it instantly and send it to production. It’s the fastest way to layout a large batch without manual calculations.
Fast Turnaround, and Bulk-Friendly Workflow
Both formats support:
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dtf transfers no minimum
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dtf same day shipping when placed before the posted cutoff
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Dallas-area pickup for immediate projects
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Clean trimming and color-accurate printing
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Full support for repeat orders and bulk workflows
Whether you select by-size or gang sheets, Sumotransfers keeps the process fast and predictable for every batch.
The Practical Framework: Which Should You Choose?
Choose DTF by Size if you want:
A single design at a specific dimension, predictable per-piece pricing, instant pressing, and zero trimming.
Choose a DTF gang sheet if you want:
The lowest cost for bulk orders, efficient use of sheet space, multiple designs in one run, and long-term inventory preparation.
If your goal is the strongest savings across a large batch, a 22×60 gang sheet almost always delivers the best price-per-design advantage.
