Print Cost Calculator
Estimate material and electricity costs for your 3D print.
Knowing the true cost of a 3D print is essential whether you are running a print farm, quoting customers, or simply deciding if buying a pre-made part would be cheaper. This calculator accounts for both filament consumption and electricity usage so you can compare materials, infill densities, and print durations side by side.
Material cost depends on the filament weight used and the price per kilogram. A standard 1 kg spool of PLA typically costs $15-25, while specialty filaments like carbon fiber nylon can exceed $60. Electricity is often overlooked but adds up — a 350 W printer running for 10 hours consumes 3.5 kWh, which at average rates costs about $0.50. For longer prints or heated-enclosure setups, electricity becomes a meaningful portion of the total.
Use the results to set competitive pricing for print-on-demand services or to justify filament choices to stakeholders. Pair this calculator with the Print Speed Calculator to see how faster settings affect both cost and quality trade-offs.