Short answer
An FDM 3D printer draws on average 80 to 150 watts while printing. At an electricity price of €0.30 per kWh that is roughly 2.4 to 4.5 euro cents per print hour. A 5-hour print therefore costs about 12 to 23 euro cents in electricity.
The formula
Electricity cost = power (kW) × print hours × price per kWh
Worked example: a printer that draws 120 W on average (0.12 kW), a 5-hour print and an electricity price of €0.30 per kWh: 0.12 × 5 × 0.30 = €0.18.
Cost per print hour at different electricity prices
| Average power draw | € 0.20 / kWh | € 0.25 / kWh | € 0.30 / kWh | € 0.35 / kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 W | 1.2 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.1 |
| 80 W | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.4 | 2.8 |
| 100 W | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| 120 W | 2.4 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.2 |
| 150 W | 3.0 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.3 |
| 200 W | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
Cost per print hour in euro cents, at four common electricity prices.
Why the average is lower than the maximum
The spec sheet often lists a maximum power draw. You only reach it in the first minutes, while the bed and nozzle heat up. After that the heaters switch on and off to hold the temperature, so the average is much lower. Consumption also depends on:
- Bed temperature: PLA prints on a cooler bed than PETG, ABS or ASA and so uses less.
- Enclosure or heated chamber: enclosed printers hold on to heat, but an actively heated chamber costs extra electricity.
- Speed and motors: fast printers with powerful motors and fans draw more.
How to measure the real consumption
Measuring is the most reliable way. Connect your printer through a plug-in energy meter, run one complete print and read the kWh. Divide that by the number of print hours and enter the result (in watts) into the calculator.
Electricity is not the biggest cost
For our standard print (50 grams of PLA, 5 hours, a €400 printer) electricity is about 8% of the €2.29 cost. Filament (€1.00) and printer depreciation (€0.50) weigh more. See also what a 3D printer costs per hour.
How to save electricity
- Shorter print time: less infill, a larger layer height or a faster printer cuts electricity, depreciation and wear at the same time.
- No heated chamber for PLA: you only need one for materials like ABS, ASA and nylon.
- Switch the printer off: do not leave it in standby day and night.
- Dynamic tariff: if you have a dynamic energy contract, run long prints when the electricity price is low.
The numbers on this page are indicative and based on typical values. Measure your own printer to be sure.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a 3D printer use per hour?
On average 80 to 150 watts while printing, so 0.08 to 0.15 kWh per hour. At €0.30 per kWh that is roughly 2.4 to 4.5 euro cents per print hour.
Is electricity a big cost when 3D printing?
No. For a standard 50 gram PLA print of 5 hours, electricity is about 8% of the total cost. Printer depreciation and filament weigh far more.
How do I measure my printer's real power consumption?
Connect the printer through a plug-in energy meter, run one complete print and read the kWh. Divide that by the number of print hours for your average consumption per hour.
Is it worth switching the printer off when it is not printing?
Yes, if it sits idle for long periods. Standby use is low, but it adds up if the printer stays on day and night.