What Is a 3D Print Cost Calculator?
This calculator adds up the real cost of a 3D print: filament by weight, electricity by print duration and printer wattage, plus an adjustable allowance for failed or wasted prints.
It's useful for pricing prints for others, deciding whether a design is worth printing, or simply understanding where the cost of a hobby print actually goes.
How to Read Your Results
Total Print Cost
Filament cost plus electricity cost, then increased by your waste allowance percentage to account for the occasional failed print.
Filament Cost
Based on the weight used (in grams) and your filament's price per kilogram — check your slicer software for an accurate weight estimate.
Electricity Cost
Based on your printer's power draw in watts, print duration, and your local electricity rate.
Real-World Example
An 85g print taking 6 hours on a 120W printer, with $22/kg filament and $0.15/kWh electricity:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filament cost | $1.87 |
| Electricity cost | $0.11 |
| Total (with 5% waste allowance) | ≈$2.08 |
Filament cost dominates on small, quick prints like this one — electricity becomes more significant on very long, slow, high-detail prints that run for a day or more.
Tips for Estimating Print Cost
- Check your slicer's estimated weight and time before printing for the most accurate inputs.
- Raise the waste allowance for complex prints or unreliable setups prone to failed prints.
- Remember this doesn't include your time, printer wear, or post-processing supplies — add those separately if pricing for a customer.
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Last updated: August 2026 · Reviewed by: Simple Calculator Tools Editorial Team