3D Printing Cost Calculator

Estimate the material and electricity cost of a 3D print.

How the Math Works

The 3D Printing Cost Calculator uses a straightforward formula: cost equals filament cost plus energy cost. To calculate filament cost, you multiply the weight of filament used (in grams) by the price per gram, which is typically found by dividing the total filament spool cost by its weight. Energy cost is determined by multiplying your printer's wattage by the estimated print time in hours, then multiplying by your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour. The calculator adds these two values together to give you the total cost per print.

Practical Applications

To use this calculator practically, first determine your filament cost per gram by checking your spool price and weight. For example, if a 1kg spool costs $25, your cost per gram is $0.025. Next, estimate how much filament your print will use by measuring the weight before and after printing, or by using slicing software that predicts material usage. Combine these values with your printer's power consumption and local electricity rates to get an accurate cost estimate before starting your print job.

Day-to-Day Use

This calculator helps you make informed decisions about your 3D printing projects by showing the true cost of each print. You can compare the profitability of different designs, determine if printing an item is worth the investment versus buying it, or find the optimal print settings that balance quality with cost. It's especially valuable for small businesses, makerspaces, or anyone who 3D prints regularly and needs to budget effectively or price products correctly.

Worked example

120 g at $25/kg, 8 h, 150 W → ~$3.18.

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