A 3D print cost calculator helps you estimate the true cost of producing a 3D-printed part by combining filament usage, electricity consumption, and printer depreciation into a single figure. Whether you are printing for a hobby or pricing prints for customers, knowing your real per-print cost ensures you never sell at a loss and helps you budget materials accurately.
Filament
Print Time & Electricity
Typical FDM: 150-300W, Resin: 50-100W
Printer Depreciation
Total print hours before replacement
Additional Costs
Accounts for occasional failed prints
Sanding, painting, supports removal, etc.
Cost Breakdown
Markup for Selling
Filament Comparison
Same print with different filament types
How to Use This 3D Print Cost Calculator
Knowing the true cost of a 3D print is essential whether you are managing a hobby budget or running a print-on-demand business. This 3D print cost calculator combines filament, electricity, printer depreciation, waste, and post-processing into one accurate estimate so you can price prints confidently and avoid hidden losses.
Step 1: Enter Your Filament Details
Start by entering the filament weight in grams. Your slicer software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer, or BambuStudio) displays this value after slicing a model. Then choose your filament type from the dropdown — each type has a default market price per kilogram. If you paid a different price, select "Custom" and enter your actual cost per kilogram. The calculator converts grams to kilograms automatically and multiplies by the per-kg price.
Step 2: Add Print Time and Electricity
Enter the estimated print time in hours (also from your slicer) and your printer's power consumption in watts. Most FDM printers like the Ender 3 or Prusa MK4 draw 150-300 watts. The default electricity rate is $0.16/kWh, which you can adjust to match your local utility rate. The tool calculates energy consumed in watt-hours and the corresponding electricity cost.
Step 3: Factor in Printer Depreciation
Your printer loses value with every print. Enter the purchase price and expected total lifespan in print hours (a good default is 5,000 hours for consumer FDM printers). The calculator divides the price by the lifespan to determine a depreciation cost per hour, then multiplies by your print duration. This is critical for accurate pricing when selling prints.
Step 4: Account for Waste and Post-Processing
The failed print waste percentage adds a buffer for prints that fail partway through. A 5% factor is reasonable for experienced users; increase to 10-15% for experimental prints or tricky geometries. Post-processing cost is a flat dollar amount for labor like sanding, painting, or removing supports. Set the quantity if you are running a batch — the calculator scales the total accordingly.
Step 5: Set Your Markup and Compare
Use the markup calculator on the right to add a profit margin. Quick-select buttons let you apply common markups (50%, 100%, 200%, 300%) or type a custom value. The filament comparison section shows what the same print would cost with each filament type, making it easy to quote customers for different material options. All calculations update instantly as you change any input.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this 3D print cost calculator free?
Yes, this 3D print cost calculator is completely free to use with no signup or account required. All calculations run locally in your browser, and no data is sent to any server.
Is my data safe when using this calculator?
Absolutely. Everything runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No print data, pricing information, or settings are transmitted anywhere. Your calculations remain completely private.
How do I find the filament weight and print time for my model?
Your slicer software (such as Cura, PrusaSlicer, or OrcaSlicer) displays the estimated filament usage in grams and the print time in hours after you slice a model. Enter those values directly into the calculator for an accurate cost estimate.
What is printer depreciation and why should I include it?
Printer depreciation accounts for the gradual wear of your 3D printer over its usable lifespan. By dividing the printer's purchase price by its expected total print hours, you get a per-hour cost that reflects the real cost of using the machine, which is especially important when pricing prints for sale.
How much does it cost to 3D print something?
The cost depends on filament type, weight, print duration, and your electricity rate. A typical small PLA print using 50 grams of filament and taking 4 hours costs roughly $1.00 to $2.50 including filament, electricity, and printer wear. Larger or specialty-filament prints can cost significantly more.
What is the failed print factor?
The failed print factor adds a percentage to your cost to account for prints that fail partway through, wasting filament and time. A 5% waste factor is typical for experienced users, while beginners or complex prints might warrant 10-15%. This ensures your pricing covers occasional failures.
How should I price 3D prints for selling?
Start with your total cost (filament, electricity, depreciation, and waste), then apply a markup. Common markups range from 50% for simple commodity prints to 200-300% for custom or detailed work. Factor in your design time, post-processing labor, and the value the print provides to the customer.
What wattage should I use for my 3D printer?
Most FDM desktop printers consume 150-300 watts during printing, with 200W being a good average. Resin (SLA/MSLA) printers typically use 50-100 watts. Check your printer's specifications or measure with a power meter for the most accurate estimate.