g
From your slicer software estimate
Enter filament weight$
hrs
Enter print timeW
Average during printing (check manual)
$/kWh
%
Total Print Cost
—
Was this calculator helpful?
How to Calculate 3D Printing Cost
The true cost of a 3D print is more than just filament. Electricity, machine wear, and failed print risk all add up — especially if you're pricing prints to sell.
3D Print Cost Formula
Total Cost = Filament + Electricity + Depreciation
Filament cost = (Grams used / Spool weight) × Spool price
Electricity cost = (Watts × Print hours / 1,000) × $/kWh
Depreciation = Printer price / Lifetime hours × Print hours
Example: 45g PLA, 4 hrs, 150W, $22 spool, $300 printer:
Filament = (45/1000) × $22 = $0.99
Electricity = (150 × 4 / 1000) × $0.15 = $0.09
Depreciation = ($300/3000) × 4 = $0.40
Total = $1.48
Electricity cost = (Watts × Print hours / 1,000) × $/kWh
Depreciation = Printer price / Lifetime hours × Print hours
Example: 45g PLA, 4 hrs, 150W, $22 spool, $300 printer:
Filament = (45/1000) × $22 = $0.99
Electricity = (150 × 4 / 1000) × $0.15 = $0.09
Depreciation = ($300/3000) × 4 = $0.40
Total = $1.48
Common Filament Costs Per Gram
- PLA: $0.02–0.03/g (most affordable, beginner-friendly)
- PETG: $0.022–0.035/g (stronger, food-safe options available)
- ABS: $0.018–0.025/g (heat resistant, requires enclosure)
- TPU: $0.04–0.08/g (flexible, durable)
- Resin: $0.06–0.12/mL (high detail, more complex post-processing)
💡 Selling tip: A common pricing formula for makers is: (Material cost × 3) + (hourly rate × print hours). This accounts for failed prints, post-processing, and profit margin. Always add shipping, packaging, and any platform fees before setting your final sale price.
Popular Calculators
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate 3D printing cost?
Total cost = Filament cost + Electricity cost + Machine depreciation. Filament cost = (grams used / spool weight) × spool price. Electricity = (watts × hours / 1000) × $/kWh. Depreciation = printer price / lifetime hours × print hours.
How much does filament cost per gram?
Standard PLA costs about $20–30 per 1kg spool — roughly $0.02–0.03 per gram. PETG is similar at $22–35/kg. ABS runs $18–25/kg. Premium materials like flexible TPU or carbon-fiber filled filament can reach $40–80/kg. Resin costs $30–60 per 500mL bottle.
How much electricity does a 3D printer use?
Most FDM printers use 100–300W while actively printing (heated bed uses the most power). An Ender 3 averages about 120W. A 10-hour print at 120W = 1.2 kWh. At $0.15/kWh that's just $0.18 — usually the smallest component of print cost.
How do I price 3D prints to sell?
A common formula: (Material cost × 3) + (hourly rate × print hours). Many makers charge $0.05–0.10 per gram minimum plus time. Always factor in failed prints (10–15% waste), post-processing, shipping, packaging, and any marketplace fees when setting your sale price.
What is machine depreciation in 3D printing?
Machine depreciation spreads the printer purchase cost across its estimated lifetime of prints. A $300 printer lasting 3,000 hours costs $0.10/hour in depreciation. Small per print, but essential for business pricing. It also accounts for eventual replacement of nozzles, belts, and other wear parts.