3D Printing Rate (Small-Scale) Calculator
Estimate the cost to produce a small-scale 3D print and set a selling price based on material, power, labor, overhead, and markup.
Overview
This small-scale 3D printing rate calculator estimates what it costs to make one print using your material price, print weight, machine time, electricity rate, labor, and overhead allowance. It then applies your preferred markup to suggest a selling price.
How it works
The calculator first estimates material cost by multiplying the print weight in kilograms by your material price per kilogram. It estimates energy cost from the printer's power draw, print time, and electricity price. Labor is calculated from hands-on hours and your hourly rate. These direct costs are increased by the overhead percentage, then the selected markup is added to produce a suggested selling price.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter the price you pay per kilogram of filament or resin.
- 2Add the estimated material weight and print time for the job.
- 3Enter your printer's average power draw and local electricity price.
- 4Include the hands-on time needed for setup, finishing, and packing.
- 5Choose an overhead allowance and desired markup.
- 6Review the estimated production cost and suggested selling price.
Example Calculation
Filament or resin cost per kg
$25
Print material weight
120
Print time
8
Average printer power draw
150
Electricity price
$0
Hands-on labor time
0.5
Labor rate
$20
Overhead allowance
10%
Desired markup
40%
Recommended selling price
$20.35
For a 120 g print using $25 per kg material, 8 hours of printer time, and 30 minutes of labor at $20 per hour, the estimated production cost is about $14.54. With a 40% markup, the suggested selling price is about $20.35.
Frequently asked questions
What should I include in a 3D printing rate?
Include material, electricity, hands-on labor, and an overhead allowance for costs such as maintenance, consumables, machine wear, and occasional failed prints.
How do I calculate filament cost for a print?
Divide the print weight in grams by 1,000, then multiply it by the filament price per kilogram. For example, 120 g at $25 per kg costs $3.00 in material.
Should print time be charged as labor?
Print time and hands-on labor are separate costs. Electricity and overhead can account for machine running time, while labor should cover the time you actively spend preparing, finishing, or packing the item.
What is a reasonable overhead percentage for small-scale 3D printing?
The right allowance depends on your equipment, failure rate, maintenance costs, and consumables. A starting range of 5% to 20% is often used for simple estimates, then adjusted from your actual costs.
Does the suggested selling price include shipping and platform fees?
No. Add shipping materials, delivery charges, payment processing, marketplace fees, taxes, and any design-license costs separately when they apply.
Can I use this calculator for resin printing?
Yes. Enter your resin cost per kilogram and the total estimated resin weight. Include washing, curing, gloves, filters, and other resin-specific expenses in labor or overhead as appropriate.
Explore Related Calculators
Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- Material use includes the entered print weight; extra purge material, rafts, and failed parts should be added where relevant.
- Electricity cost is based on the printer's average power draw and a constant electricity price.
- Overhead is applied as a percentage of material, electricity, and labor costs.
- The result is an estimate and does not automatically include shipping, marketplace fees, taxes, or design licensing costs.
Warnings
- This calculator provides a pricing estimate only; review all job-specific costs before quoting or accepting an order.