3D Printing Cost Calculator
Estimate the material, electricity, machine, labor, and total cost of a 3D printed part.
Overview
This 3D Printing Cost Calculator estimates the cost of producing one part from filament use, waste, print time, electricity use, machine running cost, and any labor or post-processing expense. It can help you price a job, compare materials, or understand the cost of printing at home or in a workshop.
How it works
The calculator first increases the filament weight by your waste allowance, then multiplies the adjusted weight by the filament price per kilogram. It estimates electricity use by multiplying printer power in kilowatts by print time, then applies your electricity rate. Machine cost is based on print hours, and the total combines material, electricity, machine, and labor costs.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the estimated filament weight for the finished part.
- 2Add your filament spool price per kilogram.
- 3Choose a waste allowance for supports, purge material, and expected failed prints.
- 4Enter the estimated print time and average printer power draw.
- 5Add your electricity rate, machine cost per hour, and labor cost.
- 6Review the estimated total cost and cost per print hour.
Example Calculation
Filament weight
100
Filament price per kg
$25
Material waste allowance
10%
Print time
8
Average printer power
120
Electricity rate
$0
Machine cost per hour
$1
Labor and post-processing cost
$5
Estimated total cost
$11.89
For a 100 g print with 10% material waste, an 8-hour print time, and the listed costs, the estimated all-in cost is about 12.90, before any selling margin or taxes.
Frequently asked questions
What costs should be included when pricing a 3D print?
Common costs include filament, support and failed-print waste, electricity, printer wear and maintenance, setup time, and post-processing labor. Selling prices may also need to account for overheads, taxes, shipping, and profit.
How do I estimate filament cost for a 3D print?
Multiply filament weight in kilograms by the spool price per kilogram. This calculator converts grams to kilograms automatically and can add a waste allowance.
How much electricity does a 3D printer use?
Electricity use depends on the printer, heated bed, nozzle temperature, enclosure, material, and print settings. Use an average measured power draw where possible for a closer estimate.
Why should I include a material waste allowance?
Waste can include supports, skirts, brims, purge lines, calibration pieces, and failed prints. Adding an allowance helps prevent underestimating material cost.
What is machine cost per hour for a 3D printer?
Machine cost per hour is an allowance for depreciation, replacement parts, maintenance, and wear. The appropriate amount depends on printer cost, expected lifespan, and usage.
Does this calculator set a selling price?
No. It estimates production cost. A selling price may be higher after you add profit, business overheads, taxes, packaging, delivery, design work, and marketplace fees.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- Filament price is entered per kilogram and material usage is entered in grams.
- The waste allowance is applied only to filament use, not electricity or labor.
- Electricity cost is based on average power draw and the entered local rate per kilowatt-hour.
- Machine cost per hour is a user-set allowance for wear, maintenance, depreciation, and similar operating costs.
- Results are estimates and may not include packaging, shipping, design time, taxes, or profit margin.
Warnings
- This calculator provides a cost estimate only; actual material use, power draw, failures, and finishing time can vary.
- If you are selling printed parts, consider adding applicable taxes, overheads, quality-control costs, and a suitable profit margin separately.