There is no single universal price for English-French translation in Quebec. Two twenty-page documents can require very different amounts of work: one may contain large visuals and little text, while another may be a dense report with thousands of words. Professional translation services therefore commonly evaluate a project using the source word count, then consider complexity, deadline, revision needs and formatting.
At MarBen, a general English → French project may be estimated from around CAD $0.18 per source word. More specialized, institutional or demanding content may fall around CAD $0.20–$0.22 per word. A firm quote is always best prepared after reviewing the actual file.
Why is translation often priced per word?
Page count is useful for visualizing document length, but it does not measure the amount of text. A PowerPoint slide, brochure page and annual-report page can contain very different word counts.
Source-word pricing makes the estimate more consistent. For example, a 6,000-word document at $0.18 per word represents a budget of CAD $1,080 before any special requirements.
| Example volume | At $0.18/word | At $0.21/word |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 words | $180 | $210 |
| 2,500 words | $450 | $525 |
| 5,000 words | $900 | $1,050 |
| 6,000 words | $1,080 | $1,260 |
| 10,000 words | $1,800 | $2,100 |
These examples are illustrative and are not a quote. Actual pricing depends on the project.
What affects the cost of translation?
1. Content complexity
General public-facing communication requires a different level of research from a technical report, internal policy, financial document or highly specialized text. Projects that require deeper terminology research and verification may be priced at a higher rate.
2. Deadline
A standard deadline allows translation and review to be planned carefully. Same-day or under-24-hour projects may require priority scheduling and a rush surcharge. At MarBen, projects required in under 24 hours may carry an additional charge of approximately 25%, subject to availability.
3. File format
A well-structured Word file is generally easier to process than a scanned PDF, complex table-heavy document or presentation requiring manual layout adjustments. Formatting work beyond the translation itself may be quoted separately.
4. Localization for Quebec
Content intended for Quebec sometimes needs more than grammatically correct French. Register, expressions, terminology and cultural details may need to be adapted for Canadian French. For websites, campaigns and marketing content, this localization work can be an important part of the project.
How much would a 20-page PDF cost?
It depends on the number of words. For example:
- 20 lighter pages at about 250 words per page: roughly 5,000 words → around CAD $900–$1,100 depending on complexity.
- 20 standard pages at about 300 words per page: roughly 6,000 words → around CAD $1,080–$1,320.
- 20 dense pages at about 400 words per page: roughly 8,000 words → around CAD $1,440–$1,760.
This is why MarBen normally asks to review the file before confirming a price. A page-count-only estimate can easily be too high or too low.
What about revision or proofreading?
If the text has already been translated, a full retranslation may not be necessary. Linguistic revision or proofreading may be a better fit.
| Service | MarBen reference | Typical purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Linguistic revision | about $0.05/word or $60/hour | Flow, phrasing, consistency, grammar and terminology. |
| Proofreading / final check | about $0.03/word or $55/hour | Typos, residual errors, punctuation and final consistency before publication. |
| Special formatting / file handling | about $60/hour | Complex files, tables, manual adjustments or special preparation. |
Why is there sometimes a minimum project fee?
A 150-word document still requires file intake, context review, translation, quality checks, delivery and invoicing. MarBen therefore generally applies a minimum project fee of CAD $75.
How do I get an accurate quote?
For the most accurate estimate, send:
- the source document or a representative sample;
- the source and target languages;
- the desired deadline;
- the required final format;
- any glossary, reference material or terminology preferences.
After reviewing the file, you receive a total price and expected delivery date before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Does English-French translation always cost $0.18 per word?
No. This is a possible starting point for general content at MarBen. Complexity, timing, file format and localization requirements can change the final rate.
Do you count the English words or the French words?
For English → French translation, pricing is normally based on the English source word count, so the cost can be known before translation begins.
Can I receive a fixed project price?
Yes. After reviewing the file, MarBen can provide a quote with a total amount and deadline even when the internal calculation is based on word count.
Is website translation priced the same way?
Word count remains a useful starting point, but website work can also include localization, length constraints, product terminology and file-format considerations.
Have a document you would like priced?
Send your document or project details to contact@marbentraduction.ca. For content specifically targeting Quebec, see our English to French translation for Quebec service page.