3D Print Cost Calculator

How to Use the 3D Print Cost Calculator

This free calculator helps you estimate the true cost of any FDM/FFF 3D print. Here's what each field means:

Material Settings

Enter the price and weight of your filament spool, and how much filament your print uses. Most slicers (Cura, PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer) show the estimated filament weight in grams.

Energy Settings

Enter your estimated print time (from your slicer), your printer's power consumption, and your local electricity rate. Most desktop printers use 100-150W; enclosed or heated-chamber printers may use 200-400W.

Machine Wear

This optional section accounts for depreciation of your printer over its lifetime. A typical desktop 3D printer has a useful life of 3,000-10,000 print hours.

Failure Rate

Add a failure rate to account for failed prints. If roughly 1 in 20 prints fails, set this to 5%. This adds a proportional markup to your total cost.

Tips for Reducing 3D Printing Costs

• Optimize infill: Reducing infill from 20% to 10% can save 15-25% filament on many prints.
• Use the right material: PLA is the cheapest at $15-25/kg; specialty filaments can cost 3-5x more.
• Reduce supports: Orient your model to minimize support material waste.
• Buy in bulk: Multi-packs often reduce per-spool cost by 20-40%.
• Calibrate your printer: A well-calibrated printer has fewer failed prints, reducing waste.