How to Use the Calculator

This advanced calculator gives you a complete picture of your 3D printing costs. Here’s how to fill out each section for an accurate estimate:

• Filament Details: Enter your spool's price and weight (usually 1000g for a 1kg roll), and the gram weight of your print from your slicer software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer).
• Electricity & Time: Input your printer's average power draw in Watts (check your printer's specs, a common value is 150-300W), your cost per kilowatt-hour from your utility bill, and the total print time in hours.
• Business & Profit: To price your prints for sale, factor in a percentage for potential print failures and add your desired profit markup.

The calculator updates all fields in real-time, giving you an instant, detailed cost breakdown and a final selling price.

Tips for Accurate Costing

To get the most precise cost, consider these factors:

• Slicer Estimates: Your slicer provides the most accurate print weight and time estimates. Use them!
• Actual Wattage: For precise electricity costs, use a watt meter to measure your printer's actual power consumption during a typical print.
• Hidden Costs: Remember to factor in other business costs like printer maintenance, wear and tear, and your time when setting your final markup.