PrintCost

3D Printing Cost Calculator

Estimate what a print really costs: filament plus electricity, with a line-item breakdown. Free, no sign-up, everything runs in your browser.

Estimate your print cost

Preloaded with the Sep 2026 US market average. Overwrite with your spool's actual price — brand and sales move this a lot.
Your slicer shows this before printing — it's the most accurate number to use.
Average while printing. Measure with a plug meter for accuracy.
US avg ~$0.18/kWh in 2026. Check your utility bill — rates vary widely by state.
Nozzles, belts, and time aren't free. Many sellers budget $0.50–$1.00/hr.
Selling the print? Add a margin to see a target price. Your time is worth something too.
Total per print$0.00

— · —

How accurate is this? The math is exact; the inputs are estimates. Filament weight from your slicer is the number to trust — volume-based estimates are rough by design. Power draw varies by printer, material, and ambient temperature. Treat results as a solid ballpark, not an invoice.

3D printing cost guides

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to 3D print something?

Most small-to-medium hobby prints cost $0.50–$8 in filament and electricity. A 200 g PLA print at $25/kg is about $5.00 in material; an 8-hour print adds roughly $0.17 in electricity at average US rates.

How much filament does a typical print use?

A small figurine: 15–30 g. A medium functional part: 50–150 g. A large multi-day print: 500 g+. Your slicer reports estimated filament weight before printing — use that number here.

How much electricity does a 3D printer use?

Typically 100–150 W on average while printing. At ~$0.18/kWh, a 10-hour print costs about $0.18–$0.27 — small next to filament cost.

Is it cheaper to 3D print or buy the part?

For one-off, custom, or hard-to-find parts, printing usually wins by a wide margin. For mass-produced commodity items, buying wins.

Why does my slicer's cost estimate differ from this calculator?

Slicers compute filament weight from the actual toolpath — more accurate than any volume estimate. Differences come from the price/kg entered, the electricity rate, or supports/purge material. Trust the slicer's gram figure.