Getting a mirror cut usually costs $10-$50 for one or two simple straight cuts, while a new mirror cut to size commonly totals $30-$150. The final price depends on mirror thickness, edge finishing, dimensions, minimum shop charges, and whether the glass is already installed or tempered.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One straight cut on loose mirror | $10 | $25 | $50 | May include a shop minimum |
| New mirror cut to size | $30 | $75 | $150 | Common small-to-medium panels |
| Polished or beveled edge | $5 | $12 | $25 | Often priced per linear foot |
| Removal and replacement | $75 | $200 | $500+ | Installation and disposal raise the total |
Typical mirror cutting prices for common panel sizes
A glass shop may charge $10-$30 for a basic cut when a customer brings in an unattached, untempered mirror. Two or more cuts, irregular shapes, or a shop minimum can bring the service charge to $25-$50. Some shops decline customer-supplied glass because its condition and breakage risk are unknown.
For a new mirror, basic mirror glass often runs about $8-$20 per square foot before cutting and finishing. A 2-by-3-foot panel may therefore cost roughly $50-$120 with basic edgework, while a larger 3-by-5-foot panel can land around $120-$300. For budgeting, expect about $30-$150 for a modest new cut-to-size mirror with standard edges.
Assumptions: untempered mirror, standard silvered glass, local shop service, and no installation.
What glass, labor, and edgework add to the quote
Quotes may combine the mirror blank, measuring and cutting, edge finishing, packaging, and delivery. A small job can have a minimum charge even when the glass itself is inexpensive. The table shows common add-on ranges; prices vary with shop equipment and local rates.
| Quote component | Typical price | How it is charged | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic mirror glass | $8-$20 | Per sq ft | Thickness, quality, and size |
| Cutting and measuring | $10-$40 | Per job or cut | Number and complexity of cuts |
| Seamed or polished edge | $2-$8 | Per linear ft | Edge finish and glass thickness |
| Beveled edge | $10-$25 | Per linear ft | Bevel width and panel size |
| Delivery or packing | $15-$75 | Per order | Distance and fragile-load handling |
Edge finishing can cost as much as the cut itself, especially when all four sides need polishing or beveling. For example, a 2-by-3-foot mirror has about 10 linear feet of perimeter, so a $2-$8-per-foot polished edge could add $20-$80.
How thickness, dimensions, and cut shape change the price
Mirror thickness commonly ranges from 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch for household use. Thicker glass may cost more to handle and finish; 1/4-inch mirror is generally sturdier than 1/8-inch glass but heavier and more expensive. Panels wider than about 4 feet or taller than 6 feet may need special handling, stronger packaging, or two-person transport.
Simple straight cuts are usually the least expensive. Notches, holes, curves, and outlet openings require more measurements and specialized tools; a single hole may add roughly $15-$40, while a shaped cutout can add $25-$100 or more. Tempered mirrors cannot be cut after tempering, so a shop must make the cuts before the glass is heat-treated, if that product is available for the job.
Labor pricing may be built into a per-cut fee or billed by time. If a shop quotes time separately, a rough labor calculation is At $60-$120 per hour, 15-30 minutes of setup and cutting equals about $15-$60 in labor.
When removal and installation cost more than cutting
Cutting a loose panel at a shop is different from resizing a mirror attached to a wall. A contractor may charge $75-$200 to remove a small, accessible mirror, plus $50-$200 for installation. Large glued panels, multiple mirrors, high walls, or difficult access can push removal and replacement to $300-$500 or more, including disposal and protection of nearby surfaces.
Most installed mirrors must be removed before they can be cut safely. Cutting them in place risks damage to the wall, nearby fixtures, and the glass. Ask whether the quote includes removal, new glass, mounting hardware, installation, and disposal. Those items can turn a low cutting estimate into a much larger project total.
Three mirror-cutting quotes for realistic home projects
A 12-by-24-inch untempered mirror brought to a local shop for one straight trim might cost $15-$35, including the minimum service charge. A new 2-by-3-foot bathroom mirror with polished edges could total $70-$160, depending on glass price and the 10-foot edge perimeter.
A 3-by-5-foot replacement mirror with a beveled finish and local delivery might run $200-$450 before installation. Adding removal and mounting can raise that to approximately $300-$650. Compare quotes using the same dimensions, thickness, edge finish, and installation scope.
Do mirror-cutting prices vary by city or region?
Labor and delivery generally cost more in major metropolitan areas than in smaller towns. As a planning estimate, shops in high-cost coastal cities may quote 10%-25% above a national midrange, while rural shops may be 5%-15% lower but charge more for delivery or have fewer finishing options.
These are broad comparisons, not guaranteed regional rates. A local shop’s minimum charge, availability of a beveling machine, and distance from the home can outweigh the regional difference. Request a written quote from at least two nearby glass shops, especially for large or shaped panels.
How to lower the price without risking a broken mirror
Provide exact finished dimensions and a simple sketch showing which edges need polishing, holes, or notches. Confirm measurements at multiple points if the opening is not square. Avoid paying for a premium bevel on edges that will be hidden behind a frame, and ask whether a standard polished edge meets the project’s safety and appearance needs.
Compare the price of cutting an existing mirror with buying a new panel. Existing glass may have scratches, silvering damage, or stress that increases breakage risk; a new cut-to-size mirror can be a better value when the requested change is substantial. Do not try to cut a mounted or tempered mirror at home. Check the shop minimum and ask whether customer-supplied glass is accepted before transporting a fragile panel.