3D Printing Rate Calculator
Estimate a practical 3D printing quote using print time, material use, machine cost, labour, setup costs and profit margin.
Overview
Use this 3D Printing Rate Calculator to estimate a customer quote for an individual print. Enter the print duration, material weight and material price, then add your machine costs, hands-on labour, fixed job costs and desired profit margin.
How it works
The calculator first estimates material cost by converting grams to kilograms and multiplying by your material price. It then adds machine cost, labour cost and fixed job costs to produce a base cost. Your chosen profit margin is calculated as a percentage of that base cost and added to it for the suggested quote. The effective print rate shows the final quote divided by active printer hours.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the estimated active print time in hours.
- 2Add the expected material use in grams and your cost per kilogram.
- 3Set a machine cost per hour to cover running and ownership costs.
- 4Enter any hands-on labour time and your labour rate.
- 5Add fixed per-job costs, then choose the profit margin you want.
- 6Review the suggested quote and its cost breakdown.
Example Calculation
Print time
5
Material used
150
Material cost per kg
$25
Machine cost per hour
$2
Labour time
0.5
Labour rate per hour
$20
Fixed job costs
$2
Profit margin
30%
Suggested 3D printing quote
$33.48
This job has a base cost of $25.75. Adding a 30% margin gives a suggested quote of about $33.48, or about $6.70 per print hour.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a 3D printing price?
Add material, machine, labour and fixed job costs, then apply a margin that reflects the profit you want to make. This calculator follows that approach.
What should be included in a machine hourly rate?
You can include electricity, routine maintenance, replacement parts, nozzle wear, depreciation, workspace costs and an allowance for unsuccessful prints.
Should I charge for setup and post-processing time?
Usually, hands-on work such as preparing files, loading material, removing supports, sanding and packing can be included as labour time.
Does the material cost include supports and failed prints?
It includes the material weight you enter. Increase the weight or fixed job costs if you want to allow for supports, purge material or expected waste.
Is profit margin the same as profit percentage of the final sale price?
Not in this calculator. Here, profit margin is added as a percentage of base cost, which is commonly called a markup. A 30% entry adds 30% of base cost to the quote.
Should shipping and taxes be included in the quote?
Add shipping supplies or other job-specific charges to fixed costs if appropriate. Taxes and payment fees are not automatically included, so account for them separately where needed.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- Material weight represents the amount consumed, including any support material you choose to include.
- Machine cost per hour is intended to cover your own estimate of electricity, wear, maintenance and depreciation.
- The profit margin is calculated as a markup on the estimated base cost.
- Taxes, marketplace commissions, payment processing fees and delivery are excluded unless included in fixed job costs.
- Results are estimates and should be adjusted for your printer, materials, local market and risk of failed prints.
Warnings
- This calculator provides a pricing estimate only and does not account for every business cost or local tax obligation.
- Review your actual costs and any customer requirements before accepting a commercial order.