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3D Printing Cost Calculator

Calculate 3D printing costs instantly using filament price, print time, electricity usage, and profit margin. Free online calculator for makers, businesses, and professionals worldwide.

  • ✔ Free to use
  • ✔ Global pricing support
  • ✔ Hobby & business ready

Select your country to see prices in your local currency

Printer depreciation cost per hour (optional)

Select a platform to calculate fees automatically, or choose Custom to enter your own fees

Cost Breakdown

Material Cost £0.00
Electricity Cost £0.00
Shipping Cost £0.00
Total Cost £0.00
Profit Amount £0.00
Total £0.00
What these numbers mean: This price includes material, electricity, your time, and your chosen profit margin. You can adjust your profit margin or labour rate in Settings.

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What Material is Used in 3D Printing?

3D printing materials, also called filaments, are thermoplastic polymers that are melted and extruded layer by layer to create 3D objects. The most common materials used in 3D printing include:

PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Most popular material - biodegradable, easy to print, great for beginners.

Cost: ~£0.0128 per gram

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Strong, durable, heat-resistant - ideal for functional parts.

Cost: ~£0.017 per gram

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

Waterproof, flexible, food-safe - combines PLA ease with ABS strength.

Cost: ~£0.016 per gram

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Rubber-like flexibility - perfect for phone cases, gaskets, and flexible parts.

Cost: ~£0.020 per gram

Other 3D printing materials include nylon, carbon fiber composites, wood-filled, metal-filled filaments, and specialty materials. Each material has different properties, costs, and applications. Use our calculator above to determine the exact cost for your chosen material.

3D Printing Service Pricing

If you're running a 3D printing service or ordering prints, pricing typically includes:

  • Material costs: £0.012-0.020 per gram depending on material type
  • Machine time: £0.50-2.00 per hour based on printer and complexity
  • Labor costs: £15-30 per hour for setup, monitoring, and post-processing
  • Profit margins: 20-50% typically added for business services

Our free calculator helps you determine accurate pricing for 3D printing services or estimate costs when ordering prints.

3D Printing Cost Calculator - Your Complete Guide

Master the art of 3D printing cost estimation with our comprehensive calculator. Learn how to price your prints accurately, understand material costs, and maximize your 3D printing profitability.

How to Calculate 3D Printing Costs Accurately

Learn the essential factors that affect 3D printing costs including filament usage, electricity consumption, and labor time.

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PLA vs ABS vs PETG Printing Cost Comparison

Compare the cost differences between popular 3D printing materials and choose the most economical option for your projects.

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3D Printing Pricing Guide for Beginners

Complete guide to pricing your 3D prints for Etsy, business, or personal projects. Includes profit margin calculations.

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Electricity Cost in 3D Printing - Does It Matter?

Discover how much electricity your 3D printer consumes and how it impacts your overall printing costs.

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Best Filament for Affordable 3D Printing

Find the most cost-effective filaments for your 3D printing needs without compromising on quality.

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3D Printing Profitability Calculator

Calculate your ROI and profitability when selling 3D printed items or offering printing services.

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What is 3D Printing? Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn everything about 3D printing - how it works, types of printers, materials, and getting started.

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PETG vs PLA: Which Material Should You Choose?

Complete comparison of PETG and PLA - costs, properties, printability, and when to use each material.

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Pros and Cons of 3D Printing: Complete Analysis

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing technology and whether it's right for you.

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Food Safe 3D Printing: Complete Safety Guide

Learn which 3D printing materials are food safe and best practices for creating food-safe items.

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3D Printing Filament Guide: Complete Material Comparison

Compare PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU filaments - costs, properties, print settings, and applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions - 3D Printing Cost Estimation

How much does it cost to 3D print per gram?

The cost per gram varies by material: PLA typically costs £0.012-0.015/g, PETG £0.015-0.020/g, and ABS £0.015-0.025/g. Use our calculator above for precise estimates.

What factors affect 3D printing costs?

Key factors include filament type and amount, print time (electricity), labor costs, printer depreciation, and post-processing time.

How do I price 3D prints for business?

Calculate material costs, add electricity and labor costs, apply a profit margin (typically 200-300%), and consider market demand for competitive pricing.

Is 3D printing cost-effective for small businesses?

Yes, 3D printing can be very cost-effective for prototyping, custom parts, and small-batch production, especially when using our cost calculator to optimize pricing.

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