3D printing cost estimator
3D Printing
Price Calculator
Estimate material cost, print time, electricity, post-processing and profit margin before quoting or starting a 3D print.
How Much Does a 3D Print Cost?
The cost of a 3D print depends on material weight, print time, electricity, printer wear, labor, post-processing and your desired profit margin.
Use the calculator below to turn slicer values into a practical price estimate for hobby prints, customer jobs, Etsy products, prototypes or local 3D printing services.
3D Print Cost Calculator
Enter the values from your slicer and adjust the business settings if you want a more complete customer price.
Quick Presets
3D Printing Cost Formula
A practical 3D printing cost formula combines direct material cost with machine time, electricity, labor, waste, finishing and margin.
material cost + electricity + machine depreciation + labor + post-processing + waste + profit margin
Material Cost
Material cost is usually calculated from the weight of the print. If a 1 kg spool costs $20, each gram costs about $0.02 before waste or supports.
Machine Time
Long prints should include printer depreciation. A 12-hour print uses more machine life than a 30-minute print, even if both use the same filament.
Labor and Finishing
For business quotes, include setup, file checks, support removal, sanding, curing, painting, packaging and customer communication.
Calculate Print Cost from an STL File
To calculate print cost from an STL file, open the model in your slicer first. Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer or Simplify3D can estimate print time and material weight after slicing.
Slice the STL
Import the file, select your printer and choose layer height, infill, supports and material.
Enter weight and time
Copy the material weight and print duration into the calculator. These two values are the foundation of most estimates.
Add business costs
Include labor, post-processing, depreciation, failure rate and markup when quoting customers.
Average 3D Printing Material Costs
Material prices vary by brand, supplier and application. These average ranges can help you choose a realistic starting point.
| Material | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | $18–$25 per kg | Miniatures, prototypes, simple parts and general prints |
| PETG | $22–$35 per kg | Functional parts, brackets, containers and stronger prints |
| ABS / ASA | $22–$40 per kg | Heat-resistant parts and outdoor applications |
| TPU | $30–$50 per kg | Flexible parts, grips, bumpers and protective components |
| Resin | $30–$80 per liter | Detailed miniatures, dental models, jewelry and high-resolution parts |
| Carbon Fiber Filament | $45–$100+ per kg | Rigid engineering parts, lightweight components and premium prototypes |
Post-Processing Cost for 3D Printing
Post-processing can add a significant amount to a 3D printing quote. For many paid jobs, a practical post-processing markup is around 30% to 60%, depending on support removal, sanding, priming, painting, washing, curing or assembly.
Light finishing
Basic support removal or quick cleanup may only require a small labor charge.
Medium finishing
Sanding, resin curing, visible cleanup or part fitting can justify a 30% to 60% addition.
Heavy finishing
Painting, smoothing, assembly and display-quality work should usually be priced separately.
How to Price 3D Prints for Customers
If you sell 3D printed parts, do not price only by filament. A reliable 3D printing quote should include your time, printer usage, risk of failed prints and profit.
For hobby prints
Material and electricity may be enough if you are printing for yourself or comparing designs.
For Etsy or local sales
Include packaging, communication, failed prints, printer wear and a clear margin.
For prototypes and clients
Add setup time, revision handling, post-processing and urgency to avoid underpricing.
3D Printing Cost Calculator FAQ
What is a 3D printing price calculator?
A 3D printing price calculator estimates how much a print should cost based on material weight, print time, electricity, printer depreciation, labor, post-processing, waste and profit margin.
How do I calculate 3D print cost from an STL file?
Open the STL file in a slicer, slice the model with your real printer settings, then copy the estimated material weight and print time into the calculator.
How much should I charge for a 3D print?
For a paid job, include material, electricity, printer wear, setup time, post-processing, failure risk and profit margin.
How do I calculate filament cost per gram?
Divide the spool price by the total grams in the spool. A $20 spool with 1,000 grams of filament costs $0.02 per gram.
Should post-processing add 30% to 60% to a 3D printing quote?
A 30% to 60% markup can be a practical range for medium post-processing, especially when the job includes sanding, support removal, resin curing, painting or assembly.
Why is print time important when estimating 3D printing cost?
Print time affects electricity, printer depreciation, opportunity cost and risk. Long prints can be underpriced if you only charge for material.
What is the difference between hobby mode and business mode?
Hobby mode is focused on simple estimates. Business mode includes labor, post-processing, failure rate and profit margin.
Does resin 3D printing cost more than filament printing?
Resin printing often costs more when you include resin, cleaning supplies, curing time, failed prints and post-processing.