Most industrial and commercial applications for materials deposition in a digital format call for a high degree of accuracy to satisfy the output requirements. Ink jet deposition has the potential to meet the requirements by delivering a consistent volume at a precise location in time and space. Currently available ink jet print heads employ multiple jets to enhance throughput and either the print head or the substrate is scanned relative to the other to complete the desired coverage. The timing and order of initiating jet channel firing is controlled by electronics and software, however, differences in flight time of the drops from the nozzle exit to the substrate can result in significant drop placement error. The difference in flight time is due to manufacturing tolerances that include channel-to-channel differences in print head geometry, materials, and drive electronics. A set of dimensionless parameters has been developed that describe drop placement error based on theoretical input as well as experimental data. Using a drop ejection visualization system, it is possible to measure drop flight time and other parameters that characterize the jetting behavior under realistic conditions. Theoretical calculations and experimental results for predicting the drop placement error due to the print head will be presented.