English to French translation
English to French translation is one of the most requested language combinations: French has around 208.2M speakers and is official in Belgium, Benin and Burundi.
French needs non-breaking spaces before ; : ! ? and inside « guillemets ». Choose tu or vous consistently, and decide between France and Canadian French conventions.
Indicative freelance rates for major western european languages run from about $0.08 to $0.16 per word for general commercial work; specialised, certified and urgent jobs cost more, and literary translation is usually paid per 1,000 words.
In the US, 1,227,947 people speak French at home and 265,024 speak English less than "very well", which drives steady demand for French–English translation and interpreting in healthcare, legal and public services.
Indicative rates
Per-word band for general commercial work in the major western european group. Real quotes depend on subject, volume, deadline and experience.
Translation cost calculatorEstimate a quote by language, word count, subject and deadline.
Open calculator →Tips for English → French projects
- Allow 15–25% extra space for the French text in designs, subtitles and printed books.
- Agree on formality (formal vs informal address) for French before translation starts and record it in the style guide.
- French is official in 28 countries — specify the target market (Belgium, Benin and Burundi…) so vocabulary and conventions match.
- Send reference material and a glossary of brand or series terms; it saves revision rounds and money.
Frequently asked questions
How much does English to French translation cost?
Typical freelance rates are about $0.08–$0.16 per word, depending on subject, deadline and the translator's experience.
How long does it take to translate English to French?
A professional translator typically produces 2,000–3,000 words a day, plus time for revision by a second linguist.
Is French longer than English?
Usually yes: text typically changes by +15% to +25% when translated from English into French.