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3D Printing Cost Calculator

Calculate the true cost of your 3D prints including material, electricity, printer depreciation, and labor.

Find this in your slicer software
g
Total cost of the spool
¥
Weight of the entire spool
g
Hours the printer is running
hrs
Usually 100-300W depending on bed temp
W
Check your utility bill
¥/kWh
Initial investment
¥
Usually 3000-8000 hours
hrs
Set to 0 if just calculating raw costs
%

Real-time Results

Total Raw Cost
8.52¥
Recommended Selling Price
25.56¥
Material Cost
3.00¥

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Where the money is going

ItemValue
Filament (Material)

35.2% of raw cost

¥3.00
Electricity

1.20 kWh used during the 8 hour print

¥0.72
Printer Depreciation

Machine wear and tear (¥0.60 per hour)

¥4.80
Profit Margin

Your markup (200%) for time and effort

¥17.04

Cost Distribution

Visual breakdown of production costs

Why Choose 3D Printing Cost Calculator

The 3D Printing Cost Calculator helps hobbyists and professionals determine the true cost of their 3D prints. Many people only calculate the cost of the plastic filament, but true manufacturing costs must include electricity, printer wear and tear (depreciation), and your personal labor time. Whether you are running a small Etsy shop, quoting a freelance job, or just want to know how much your hobby costs, this tool breaks down every expense and suggests a profitable selling price.

  • Calculates exact filament costs based on spool weight and price
  • Factors in local electricity rates and printer power consumption
  • Accounts for printer wear and tear over its lifespan
  • Includes labor costs for slicing, bed prep, and post-processing
  • Provides a recommended selling price with your custom profit markup

How to Calculate

  1. 1Enter your filament details (cost per spool and spool weight).
  2. 2Input the specific print job details from your slicer (model weight and print time).
  3. 3Add your hardware specs (printer cost, expected lifespan, and power draw).
  4. 4Set your local electricity rate and personal labor costs.
  5. 5Review the breakdown of costs and the final recommended selling price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know the model weight before printing?

Your slicing software (like Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio) will give you an estimated weight in grams after you slice the model. Be sure to include support material in the weight.

What is a normal lifespan for a 3D printer?

A standard consumer 3D printer typically lasts between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of printing before requiring major repairs or replacement.

How much power does a 3D printer use?

It varies by model, but a typical FDM printer uses around 100 to 250 Watts while printing. The heated bed consumes the majority of this power.

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