3D Printing Volume Calculator
Estimate the bounding-box volume, approximate material volume, and filament weight for a rectangular 3D print.
Overview
Use this 3D Printing Volume Calculator to estimate the volume occupied by a rectangular model and its approximate filament use. Enter the outside dimensions, planned infill, and filament density to get a quick material estimate before slicing.
How it works
The calculator multiplies length by width by height to find the model's rectangular bounding-box volume. It converts cubic millimetres to millilitres, then applies the infill percentage as a simple estimate of material volume. Finally, it multiplies the estimated material volume by filament density to estimate weight. Real prints usually use additional material for perimeters, solid layers, supports, and other slicer settings.
How to use this calculator
- 1Measure or enter the model's outside length, width, and height in millimetres.
- 2Enter the infill percentage you expect to use.
- 3Add your filament density from the spool or manufacturer specification.
- 4Review the bounding-box volume and estimated material weight.
- 5Compare the estimate with your slicer's result before starting the print.
Example Calculation
Length
100
Width
60
Height
30
Infill
20%
Filament Density
1.24
Bounding Box Volume
0.00 mL
A 100 mm × 60 mm × 30 mm rectangular model has a bounding-box volume of 180 mL. At a simple 20% infill estimate, it uses about 36 mL of material, weighing about 44.6 g with 1.24 g/cm³ PLA.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 3D print bounding-box volume?
It is the volume of the smallest rectangular box that fits around a model. It is calculated from the model's outside length, width, and height.
Why is the actual filament use different from this estimate?
A slicer uses the model's real geometry plus wall thickness, top and bottom layers, infill pattern, supports, brim or raft settings, and other print settings.
What density should I use for PLA filament?
PLA is often close to 1.24 g/cm³, but values vary by brand and additives. Use the density listed by your filament manufacturer when available.
Does 20% infill mean a print uses 20% of the material?
Not exactly. Perimeters and solid top and bottom layers add material, so the real material use can be higher than a simple infill-only estimate.
Can I use this calculator for resin printing?
It can provide a rough volume estimate, but resin printing also depends on hollowing, wall thickness, drainage holes, supports, and retained resin. A resin slicer gives a more specific estimate.
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Assumptions and warnings
Assumptions
- The model is treated as a rectangular solid using its outside length, width, and height.
- Material volume is estimated by applying the infill percentage directly to the bounding-box volume.
- The estimate does not separately account for walls, top and bottom layers, supports, rafts, brims, purge material, or failed prints.
- Filament density is assumed to be uniform throughout the print.
Warnings
- This is a planning estimate only. Your slicer's material estimate is more accurate because it accounts for the actual model geometry and print settings.
- Low infill does not mean the entire model uses only that percentage of material, because shells and solid layers also use filament.