3D Printing Profit Calculator
Estimate the profit, costs and profit margin for a 3D printed product using material, energy, labour and selling fees.
Overview
This 3D Printing Profit Calculator estimates the money left after selling 3D printed items. Enter your sale price, expected quantity, filament use, print time, electricity rate, hands-on labour and selling fees to review estimated profit and margin.
How it works
The calculator multiplies the sale price by the number of items to find revenue. It then estimates filament cost from the grams used, electricity cost from printer power and print time, labour cost from hands-on minutes, and selling fees from revenue. These costs are deducted from revenue to calculate profit. Profit margin is profit divided by revenue.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the sale price for one printed item.
- 2Add the number of items you expect to sell.
- 3Enter filament use and your filament cost per kilogram.
- 4Add print time, average power draw and your electricity rate.
- 5Include hands-on time, an hourly labour rate and selling fees.
- 6Review the estimated profit, profit per item and profit margin.
Example Calculation
Sale price per item
$25
Number of items sold
10
Filament used per item
120
Filament cost per kg
$20
Print time per item
6
Average printer power draw
0.12
Electricity rate
$0
Hands-on time per item
20
Labour rate
$15
Selling fees
10%
Estimated profit
$149.56
At a sale price of 25 per item, 10 items produce revenue of 250. With estimated costs of 119.44, the estimated profit is 130.56, or 13.06 per item.
Frequently asked questions
What costs should I include when pricing a 3D print?
At minimum, include filament, electricity, hands-on labour and marketplace or payment fees. You may also need to account for packaging, shipping, failed prints, maintenance and equipment costs.
How do I calculate filament cost for a 3D print?
Multiply filament weight in grams by the filament price per kilogram, then divide by 1,000. For example, 120 g of 20-per-kg filament costs 2.40.
How much electricity does a 3D printer use?
Usage varies by printer, material, temperatures and settings. Use an average measured power draw where possible, then multiply kilowatts by print hours and your price per kWh.
Should I charge for my time when selling 3D prints?
Including setup, post-processing, packing and customer-service time can help show whether a price covers the value of your work. The appropriate hourly rate depends on your own business goals.
What is a good profit margin for 3D printed products?
A suitable margin depends on competition, demand, overheads and risk. Compare the result with your full costs and adjust your sale price or production process as needed.
Does this calculator include printer depreciation?
No. The calculation includes the costs entered for material, energy, labour and percentage-based selling fees. Consider depreciation, repairs and maintenance separately when evaluating long-term profitability.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- All items use the same amount of filament, print time and hands-on labour.
- Filament cost includes only the material quantity entered; shipping, failed prints and consumables should be added through your inputs where possible.
- Electricity cost is based on average printer power draw and the stated electricity rate.
- Selling fees are calculated as one percentage of revenue.
- Results are estimates and do not include fixed business costs unless you account for them separately.
Warnings
- This calculator provides a business estimate only and is not financial or tax advice.
- Consider additional costs such as printer depreciation, maintenance, packaging, shipping, refunds and taxes before setting final prices.