3D Printing Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of any 3D print — filament, electricity, printer wear, and failure margin. Get a suggested selling price too.
Depreciated over 2,000 print hours
Total Print Cost
$2.21
50g of PLA · 5h print time
Material
$1.10
50% of total
Electricity
$0.16
7% of total
Depreciation
$0.75
34% of total
Failure Margin
$0.20
10% buffer
Sell at 50% margin
$3.32
Sell at 100% margin
$4.42
Cost Breakdown
Where your money goes on each print
The real cost of 3D printing
Most people only think about filament cost when pricing a 3D print. But the real cost includes four components: material, electricity, printer depreciation, and a margin for failed prints. Ignoring any of these means you are underpricing your work.
Material is usually 40-60% of total cost. A 50g PLA print uses about $1.10 worth of filament at $22/kg. Specialty filaments like carbon fiber PLA or flexible TPU can double or triple that number.
Electricity is cheap but adds up. A 200W printer running for 5 hours at $0.16/kWh costs $0.16. For a single print that is negligible, but if you are running a print farm with multiple printers going 12+ hours a day, electricity becomes a real line item.
Printer depreciation is the hidden cost. A $300 printer with a 2,000-hour lifespan costs $0.15/hour to operate. A 5-hour print adds $0.75 in wear. Higher-end printers cost more per hour but often have longer lifespans and lower failure rates.
Failure margin protects your bottom line. Even experienced users see 5-10% of prints fail. Adding a 10% failure margin to your pricing ensures you do not lose money on bad prints. For complex or experimental prints, 15-20% is safer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to 3D print something?▾
A typical small 3D print (20-50g) costs $0.50-$2.00 in materials alone. When you factor in electricity, printer depreciation, and failure margin, the real cost is usually 2-3x the material cost. A 50g PLA print on a $300 printer typically costs around $2-4 total.
How much electricity does a 3D printer use?▾
Most FDM 3D printers use 100-250 watts during printing. A typical 5-hour print on a 200W printer at $0.16/kWh costs about $0.16 in electricity. Resin printers use less power (50-100W) but have higher material costs.
What is the cheapest filament to 3D print with?▾
PLA is the cheapest and most popular filament at $18-25/kg. PLA+ offers slightly better properties for $22-28/kg. ABS is similar in price but harder to print. For the lowest cost per print, PLA with a well-tuned printer gives the best value.
How do I price my 3D prints for selling?▾
Calculate your total cost (material + electricity + depreciation + failure margin), then add your desired profit margin. Most sellers use 50-100% markup for simple prints and 200-400% for complex or custom work. Factor in your time for design, setup, and post-processing.
What failure rate should I expect for 3D printing?▾
Beginners should expect a 15-20% failure rate. Experienced users with well-tuned printers typically see 5-10%. Complex prints with overhangs or thin walls may fail more often. Always include a failure margin in your cost calculations.
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Popular Filaments on Amazon
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Hatchbox PLA 1.75mm (1kg)
The most popular PLA filament. Consistent diameter, minimal stringing, great for beginners.
From $22
eSUN PETG 1.75mm (1kg)
Strong, flexible, and food-safe. Great for functional parts that need durability.
From $24
Polymaker PolyLite ABS (1kg)
Low-warp ABS with excellent layer adhesion. Good for heat-resistant parts.
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