Calculate the exact cost of your 3D prints including material and electricity.
How to Calculate Filament Cost
Calculating the cost of a 3D print is straightforward once you know the formula. The basic calculation is:
Material Cost = (Filament Used ÷ Spool Weight) × Spool Price
For example, if your slicer says a print uses 50 grams of PLA, and you paid $20 for a 1kg spool:
(50g ÷ 1000g) × $20 = $1.00
Including Electricity Cost
For a more complete picture, you can add electricity costs. Most 3D printers draw 100-200 watts during printing. At typical US electricity rates (~$0.12/kWh), a 5-hour print costs about $0.06-0.12 in electricity. While small, it adds up for frequent printers or businesses.
Where to Find Filament Usage
Every slicer shows estimated filament usage after slicing. In Cura, look at the bottom right. In PrusaSlicer, check the right panel after slicing. The value is typically shown in both grams and meters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate filament cost per print?
Divide your filament used (in grams) by your spool weight, then multiply by the spool price. For example: (50g used / 1000g spool) × $20 = $1.00 material cost.
How much does it cost to 3D print something?
Most small to medium prints cost between $0.50 and $5.00 in material. The exact cost depends on the filament type, print size, and infill percentage. Large prints with high infill can cost $10-20 or more.
What is the cheapest filament to 3D print with?
PLA is typically the cheapest filament at around $15-25 per kg. Budget brands can be even cheaper, though quality may vary. PLA+ offers slightly better strength for a few dollars more.
How much electricity does 3D printing use?
A typical FDM printer uses 100-200 watts while printing. At $0.12/kWh, a 10-hour print costs about $0.12-0.24 in electricity. Heated beds and enclosure heaters increase power usage.
Is 3D printing cheaper than buying products?
It depends on the item. Simple objects are often cheaper to print, especially in small quantities. However, mass-produced items from China are usually cheaper than printing them yourself when accounting for time and printer depreciation.