3D Printing Cost Per Gram Calculator
Calculate accurate material costs for PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU filaments
Updated: February 2026
Quick Tip: Material costs typically range from £0.012-0.025 per gram depending on filament type and quality.
Material Cost Calculator
Cost Breakdown
Cost per gram:
£0.000
Material cost:
£0.00
Waste factor (10%):
£0.00
Total material cost:
£0.00
PLA Filament
~£0.0128/g
PETG Filament
~£0.016/g
ABS Filament
~£0.017/g
Material Cost Comparison (Per Gram)
| Material | Price Range | Per Gram | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | £8-15/kg | £0.008-0.015 | Beginners, prototypes |
| PLA+ | £10-18/kg | £0.010-0.018 | Enhanced properties |
| PETG | £12-20/kg | £0.012-0.020 | Functional parts |
| ABS | £10-22/kg | £0.010-0.022 | Durable parts |
| TPU | £15-35/kg | £0.015-0.035 | Flexible parts |
Factors Affecting 3D Printing Cost Per Gram
Material Quality
- • Premium brands cost 20-50% more
- • Consistent diameter reduces waste
- • Color additives increase price
- • Specialty materials (carbon fiber, wood) cost 2-5x more
Print Settings
- • Layer height affects material usage
- • Infill percentage determines consumption
- • Support material adds extra cost
- • Print failures waste material
💡 Tips to Reduce Material Costs
Optimize Print Settings
- • Use 20-30% infill for most prints
- • Choose appropriate layer height
- • Minimize support material
- • Print multiple parts together
Buy Smart
- • Buy in bulk for better prices
- • Look for sales and discounts
- • Consider generic brands
- • Store filament properly
Reduce Waste
- • Calibrate your printer regularly
- • Use filament runout sensors
- • Recycle failed prints
- • Plan prints carefully
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