How to use this calculator
Use the material estimate from your slicer and the spool’s usable mass and price. Enter average power rather than the power supply’s maximum rating when possible. Add your own hourly machine allowance and hands-on labor.
The formula
A worked example
100 g from a $25, 1,000 g spool costs $2.50. A 5 hour print at 120 W and $0.20/kWh adds $0.12. Machine time at $0.50/h adds $2.50, and 15 minutes of $20/h labor adds $5: $10.12 total.
Assumptions & limitations
FDM cost estimate in a single consistent currency. Excludes failed prints, shipping, tax, supports not included in entered grams, and profit. Machine allowance is user-defined and not a measured depreciation rate.
Common questions
Is this the price I should charge?
It is an estimated cost. A selling price may also need profit, failed-print allowance, overhead, tax, and market considerations.
Should I count supports?
Yes. Include support material and purge waste in the filament grams if they are part of the job.
Supporting reference
The method above states this calculator’s assumptions. This reference provides related definitions and technical context.
Prusa Research: 3D printing price calculator ↗Formula and worked example checked against automated test cases. About our methodology.