3D Printing Energy Calculator
Estimate the electricity used and energy cost of one or more 3D prints based on printer power, print time and your electricity rate.
Overview
Use this 3D Printing Energy Calculator to estimate how much electricity a print job uses and what that energy may cost. Enter your printer's average printing power, the print duration, warm-up details, number of copies and local electricity price per kWh.
How it works
Electrical energy is calculated by converting power from watts to kilowatts and multiplying it by operating time. The calculator estimates active printing energy and warm-up energy separately, then adds them together. It multiplies the total kWh by your entered electricity rate to estimate the cost. Because a printer's power draw changes as heaters cycle on and off, using an average measured wattage will usually give the most representative result.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the printer's average power draw while printing.
- 2Add the estimated print duration for one copy.
- 3Enter the number of copies you intend to print.
- 4Include the power and time used to warm up the printer before each copy.
- 5Enter your electricity rate per kWh and review the estimated energy use and cost.
Example Calculation
Average printing power
120
Print duration per copy
8
Number of copies
2
Warm-up power
150
Warm-up time per copy
10
Electricity rate
$0
Estimated total electricity cost
$0.59
Two prints use an estimated 1.97 kWh in total and cost about 0.59 in electricity, or around 0.30 per print.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a 3D printer use per hour?
It depends on the printer, temperatures, material and settings. A printer averaging 120 W uses about 0.12 kWh for each hour of active printing.
How do I find my 3D printer's power consumption?
The most useful figure is its average operating draw. You can measure this with a plug-in energy meter, or use a manufacturer specification as a starting estimate.
Why is warm-up energy included?
Heating the nozzle and bed can use substantial power for a short period. Including warm-up gives a more complete estimate, especially for short prints.
Does a higher bed temperature increase printing cost?
Usually, yes. Higher bed or nozzle temperatures can make heaters run more often, increasing the printer's average power draw and energy use.
Does this include the cost of filament?
No. This calculator estimates electricity consumption and electricity cost only. Material, maintenance and other production costs are not included.
Can I use this calculator for resin printers?
Yes, if you enter a reasonable average power draw and total operating time. Include any curing, washing or heating equipment separately if you want to estimate their energy use.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- Average printing power remains broadly consistent throughout each print.
- Warm-up occurs once for every copy and uses the stated warm-up power and duration.
- The electricity rate is charged per kilowatt-hour and does not include separate standing charges.
- The result estimates electricity use only; it excludes filament, maintenance, failed prints and other operating costs.
Warnings
- Actual energy use can vary with printer model, bed and nozzle temperatures, enclosure heaters, ambient conditions, print settings and standby time.
- This calculator provides an estimate only; check your electricity bill or a plug-in energy meter for measured costs.