3D Print Cost Calculator
Filament grams and printer hours in dollars — not a print-farm quote. Click any i for detail.
Filament used (g)
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Grams
Slicer estimate for the job, including supports if you will print them. |
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Filament price ($/kg)
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Filament
Spool price ÷ kg. A $24/kg PLA spool is a common hobby midpoint. |
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Print time (hours)
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Hours
Slicer time including heat-up if you want that in the power line. |
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Printer draw (W)
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Watts
Average draw while printing, not nameplate peak. Many bed-slingers sit near 80–150 W. |
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Electricity ($/kWh)
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kWh
Your utility rate. U.S. residential midpoints often sit near $0.12–$0.20. |
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Markup (%)
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Markup
Shop overhead or retail margin. Leave 0 for hobby cost only. |
How to use this calculator
- Paste slicer grams.
- Enter what you paid per kilogram of filament.
- Add hours and average watts.
- Optional markup if you sell the part.
Results explained
Filament $ = grams ÷ 1000 × $/kg. Power $ = (watts ÷ 1000) × hours × $/kWh. Markup multiplies the subtotal. This is not shipping or a commercial print-farm rate card.
Quick reference: 3D print cost
The plastic is usually cheap; time and failures dominate shop pricing.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| 85 g @ $24/kg | $2.04 filament |
| 6 h × 120 W @ $0.16/kWh | $0.12 power |
| 1 kg PLA hobby spool | Often $18–$30 |
| Resin? | Use grams of resin and a higher $/kg |
Household kWh: electricity cost calculator.
How the estimate is built
filament = g/1000 × $/kg; kWh = W/1000 × hours; total = (filament + kWh×rate) × (1 + markup%).
Example scenario
85 g at $24/kg plus 6 hours at 120 W and $0.16/kWh → about $2.16 before markup.
FAQ
Does this include the printer?
No — amortization belongs in markup or a separate hourly shop rate.
Supports?
Include support grams from the slicer if you will print them.
Carbon fiber or ABS?
Raise $/kg; the math does not change.