3D Printing Calculator
Free 3D printing cost calculator for FDM printers. Estimate print time, filament usage, electricity cost, and total expenses for PLA, ABS, and PETG models.
About This Calculator
This 3D Printing Cost Calculator helps FDM printer owners estimate print time, filament consumption, material cost, electricity cost, and total expense for any 3D model. Whether you are a hobbyist pricing your prints or running a small 3D printing service, this tool provides accurate estimates based on your specific printer settings and local rates.
Simply enter your model volume from any slicer software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D), along with your printer's layer height, nozzle width, and print speed. The calculator uses these parameters to compute the estimated print duration, then applies material density and pricing to determine filament weight and cost. Electricity consumption is calculated from your printer's wattage and local electricity rate.
The formula for print time is: Volume / (Layer Height x Nozzle Width x Print Speed) x 60. For example, a 100 cm³ model at 0.2 mm layer height, 0.4 mm nozzle, and 50 mm/s takes approximately 1500 minutes (25 hours). Filament weight is calculated as model volume multiplied by material density, and total cost is the sum of filament cost and electricity cost.
The calculator automatically adjusts currency symbols (₹, $, £) based on your region and provides sensible default values for India, the US, and the UK. All monetary results are rounded to 2 decimal places for accurate cost estimation. You can bookmark or share any calculation via the URL, which saves all input parameters.
Methodology
Print Time: Estimated as continuous extrusion at constant speed. Real-world times may vary 10-20% due to acceleration, retraction, travel moves, and layer change delays.
Filament Weight: Model volume (cm³) x material density (g/cm³). PLA is 1.24 g/cm³, ABS is 1.04 g/cm³, and PETG is 1.27 g/cm³.
Electricity Cost: Printer wattage (W) x print hours x electricity rate (per kWh) / 1000. A typical FDM printer consumes 50-250W depending on heated bed temperature and print complexity.
Supported Filament Types
PLA (Polylactic Acid): Density 1.24 g/cm³ -- easiest to print, biodegradable, low warping, ideal for prototypes, decorative parts, and beginners.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Density 1.04 g/cm³ -- stronger and more durable, heat-resistant up to 100°C, requires a heated bed and good ventilation.
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Density 1.27 g/cm³ -- tough, chemical-resistant, excellent layer adhesion, good for functional parts and mechanical components.
Regional Pricing (Approximate)
India: Filament ₹800-1500/kg, electricity ₹6-10/kWh
United States: Filament $15-30/kg, electricity $0.10-0.15/kWh
United Kingdom: Filament £15-25/kg, electricity £0.10-0.20/kWh
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 3D printing print time calculated?
Print time is estimated as volume / (layer height x nozzle width x print speed) x 60. For example, a 100 cm^3 model printed at 0.2 mm layer height, 0.4 mm nozzle, and 50 mm/s takes approximately 1500 minutes (25 hours).
How much filament do I need for a 3D print?
Filament weight = model volume x material density. PLA uses 1.24 g/cm^3, ABS 1.04 g/cm^3, and PETG 1.27 g/cm^3. A 100 cm^3 PLA model will need about 124 g of filament.
How do I calculate 3D printing electricity cost?
Electricity cost = printer wattage x print hours x electricity rate / 1000. A 100W printer running 25 hours at ₹8/kWh costs about ₹20. Rates vary: ₹6-10/kWh in India, $0.10-0.15/kWh in the US, and £0.10-0.20/kWh in the UK.
What is the difference between PLA, ABS, and PETG filaments?
PLA (1.24 g/cm^3) is easy to print, biodegradable, and ideal for beginners. ABS (1.04 g/cm^3) is stronger and heat-resistant but requires a heated bed and ventilation. PETG (1.27 g/cm^3) offers a balance of strength and ease, with good layer adhesion and chemical resistance.
Can I share my 3D printing cost calculation?
Yes, the URL automatically saves your input values so you can bookmark or share the exact calculation. Simply copy the URL after calculating to share print time, filament usage, and cost estimates.
Does the 3D Printing Calculator work for resin printers?
This calculator is designed for FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers using filament. Resin printers use different units, exposure times, and material densities. For resin printing, consider a dedicated SLA calculator.
How accurate is the print time estimate?
The estimate assumes continuous extrusion at constant speed. Real print times vary due to acceleration, retraction, travel moves, and layer change delays. Use the result as a baseline and add 10-20% for complex models.
What is the cost of 3D printing filament per kg?
Filament prices vary by region and quality: in India ₹800-1500/kg, in the US $15-30/kg, and in the UK £15-25/kg. Premium brands and specialty materials (carbon fiber, glow-in-the-dark) cost more. This calculator uses adjustable per-kg pricing.