How to calculate the cost of a 3D print

Start with the final sliced plate. For a batch of identical items, enter the total grams and time once and divide the result by the number of sellable parts. Use the slicer estimate after you’ve added support material, brims, and any multi-color purge.

  1. Material. Divide grams used by the net weight on the spool, then multiply by the spool price.
  2. Power and machine time. Multiply kWh by your power rate. Divide the printer purchase price by the usable hours you expect, then multiply that hourly machine rate by the print time.
  3. Failed plates. If 9 out of 10 attempts work, divide the repeatable running cost by 0.90 to estimate the average spend per successful plate. That adds 11.1% to the costs you repeat.
  4. Finishing. Add the time and supplies you spend on a good plate once. Divide the full estimate by the usable parts.

Cost per good part = (attempt cost ÷ success rate + finishing labor + supplies) ÷ good parts

Worked example with a 125 g plate

At $24 per 1 kg spool, 125 g costs $3.00. A 4½-hour run at 120 W uses 0.54 kWh, or about $0.09 at $0.16 per kWh. A $450 printer spread over 1,500 hours adds $1.35 per run. With 10% full-plate failures and 12 minutes of finishing at $18 an hour, the plate comes to $8.53, or $2.84 per part for three good parts.

Common questions

Where do I find the print time and grams?

Slice the final model with your chosen filament and settings, then look for time and filament usage in the slicer’s preview or summary. Use grams rather than meters so the units match the spool weight.

How should I estimate a multi-material print?

Price each material separately using the filament calculator, including that material’s purge. Add the material totals. For the main tool, enter the full sliced grams as both the used weight and spool weight and enter that combined cost as the spool price.

What if some failed prints stop early?

The failure model assumes a full attempt costs the same each time. Early stops can reduce actual waste. For partial failures or mixed parts, tracking total production spend divided by the number of usable items gives a stronger estimate.

Is this the price I should charge?

This is your production cost. Use the pricing and profit calculator to add packaging, shipping, selling fees, and a target margin.

References