3D Printing Cost Calculator
Most people only think about filament cost when calculating 3D printing expenses. But the true cost includes electricity, printer depreciation, and maintenance. Our calculator gives you the full picture so you can price your prints accurately — whether for personal use or selling on Etsy.
🧮 3D Print Cost Calculator
Know exactly what your print will cost before you start
📊 Cost Breakdown
💡 Need filament? Check our recommended filaments with the best price-per-gram ratio.
What Filament Should I Buy?Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to 3D print 100 grams?
With standard PLA filament at $20/kg, 100 grams of filament costs about $2.00. Adding electricity (~$0.10), maintenance (~$0.20), and printer depreciation (~$1.00), the total cost is typically between $2.50 and $4.00 depending on your printer and electricity rates.
What is the cheapest filament to print with?
PLA and PLA+ are the cheapest filaments, typically costing $15–$22 per kilogram. Budget brands like eSUN PLA+ offer excellent quality at around $18/kg. PETG is slightly more expensive at $17–$25/kg but offers better strength and water resistance.
How much electricity does a 3D printer use?
Most consumer 3D printers consume between 100–300 watts during printing. A typical 4-hour print on a 200W printer at $0.12/kWh costs about $0.10 in electricity. Running a printer 8 hours daily would cost roughly $6–$9 per month in electricity.
Is 3D printing at home cheaper than buying?
For most common household items, buying is cheaper. Where 3D printing excels is in custom parts, prototypes, hobby items, and niche products that aren't mass-produced. If you're selling prints, margins can be 200-500% on custom designs. The printer typically pays for itself after 200-500 prints.
How do I reduce my 3D printing costs?
Key cost-saving strategies include: using lower infill percentages (10-15% for decorative prints), buying filament in multi-packs for bulk discounts, reducing print speed slightly to minimize failures, using supports only when necessary, and storing filament properly to prevent moisture absorption and failed prints.