How is the cost of a 3D print calculated?
The cost is more than just filament. This calculator adds up the following:
- Filament: print weight × price per kg ÷ 1000.
- Electricity: print time × average power (kW) × electricity price. During a print a printer draws far less than its maximum power, because the heaters cycle on and off.
- Depreciation: purchase price divided by expected lifetime in print hours, times your print time.
- Maintenance: nozzles, belts, build plate and lubricant, expressed per print hour.
- Failed prints: if 1 in 20 prints fails, every successful print helps pay for the wasted cost.
- Labor: only relevant if you sell your prints.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 3D print cost on average?
A small 50 gram PLA print costs about 1 euro in filament. Including electricity, printer wear and failed prints, the real cost is usually 1.50 to 3 euros.
How much electricity does a 3D printer use?
On average 80 to 200 watts while printing, depending on the model and whether the bed and enclosure are heated. A 5-hour print typically costs 10 to 30 euro cents in electricity. More on 3D printer electricity cost.
What price should I charge for a 3D print?
Start from your total cost, including labor and failures, and add a margin. A margin of 50 to 100 percent is common for made-to-order prints. Enter your desired margin above for a suggested price. Also read how to price 3D prints.
Want to compare prices per material? See the cost per material (PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU and more).
Results are estimates based on your input. No rights can be derived from them. Prices are in euros.