WattsyHow this 3D print cost calculator works
A print costs more than the plastic it uses. This calculator adds up five things:
- Filament: grams used × (spool price ÷ spool weight).
- Electricity: power draw in kW × print hours × your electricity rate.
- Printer wear: printer price ÷ expected lifetime hours × print hours. This covers nozzles, belts, build plates and eventually a new printer.
- Failed prints: a percentage on top of material, power and wear, since some prints fail and have to be redone.
- Labor: your hands-on minutes at your hourly rate.
The suggested price is the total cost plus your markup.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to 3D print something?
Most small PLA prints cost well under a dollar in filament and a few cents in electricity. Once you add printer wear, failed prints and your time, the real cost of a typical print is often several dollars.
How much should I charge for 3D printing?
Start from your full cost, including labor, then add a markup. Many sellers use 30–100% depending on how custom the work is. Check what similar items sell for locally or on Etsy before settling on a price.
How much electricity does a 3D printer use?
A typical desktop printer averages roughly 80–200 watts while printing, with higher spikes while the bed heats. A 5-hour print at 120 W uses about 0.6 kWh.
Where do I find how much filament a print uses?
Your slicer shows the filament weight in grams after you slice the model, usually in the print summary.