TAC (Total Ink Coverage) Test Chart
Generate a PDF chart of CMYK patches with rising total area coverage (TAC) to find where ink starts to pool or dry slowly on your paper and press — plus a quick TAC calculator.
Dark patches look alike on screen, but the PDF holds each patch's exact C, M, Y and K values — the differences show up in print.
17 patches
Patches are stored as exact DeviceCMYK values. Print without color conversion, at actual size (100%).
TAC calculator
TAC240%Within the 300% limit.
Guide
Key points
- TAC is the sum of the C, M, Y and K percentages; every paper and process has a limit.
- Print the chart on the real paper without color conversion to find where pooling, set-off and fill-in begin.
- Reference limits: coated 300–350%, uncoated 260–300%, newsprint ~240% — confirm with your printer.
What is TAC?
TAC (total area coverage) is the sum of the C, M, Y and K ink percentages at one spot. C60 M40 Y40 K100 adds up to 240%. The theoretical maximum is 400%, but too much ink dries slowly, smears and transfers to the back of the next sheet (set-off), so every paper and process has a limit.
Typical limits (for reference)
- Coated offset: about 300–350%
- Uncoated offset: about 260–300%
- Newsprint: around 240%
- Inkjet and digital presses: varies widely by device and media
The real limit depends on your printer’s color profile and paper — always confirm it with them.
Using the chart
- Choose the TAC range, step and K rows, then download the PDF.
- Print it on the real paper and device, without color conversion and at actual size.
- Once dry, find the TAC where problems begin; one or two steps below that is a safe limit.
What to look for
- Glossy pooling, or ink that rubs off
- Set-off onto the back of the next sheet
- The white 6 pt / 4 pt text and 0.1 / 0.25 / 0.5 mm lines inside each patch filling in
- Paper cockling or waviness
How the patches are built
Each patch uses the chosen K and splits the remaining ink across C, M and Y for a near-neutral dark: about 36% to cyan, the rest shared by magenta and yellow. K100 at 240% TAC becomes C50 M45 Y45 K100.
FAQ
Is this useful for a home printer?
Not much — home printers usually take RGB and decide ink amounts themselves. The chart is meant for print shops, RIP-driven large-format printers and proofers.
What TAC should a rich black be?
C60 M40 Y40 K100 (240%) is a common recipe, but recommendations vary. Test on your paper with this chart or follow your printer's spec.
Colors seem to change when I print the PDF.
Your application or driver may be color-managing the job. Turn color management off or choose to preserve CMYK numbers.