What it does
3D printing looks cheap at first glance - but once you factor in filament, electricity, machine maintenance, labor time and the odd failed print, the expenses add up quickly. That's the gap this tool closes.
The calculator turns details about your printer, materials and usage into an accurate, line-by-line cost breakdown - so you can plan projects, price your work and quote customers with confidence.
Why accurate estimates matter
Prototypes, product designs, artistic pieces - knowing the exact cost of a print is what keeps a hobby sustainable and a business profitable. Understanding the full cost lets you:
Maximize efficiency
See which line items actually drive your cost.
Prevent surprises
No more forgotten power, wear or labor.
Set real budgets
For personal projects or business use.
What it factors in
Filament & resin
- material cost per gram or millilitre, with a waste / purge allowance and per-material overrides.
Power consumption
- how much electricity the printer draws over the print, and what that costs.
Labor time
- setup, calibrating, post-processing and troubleshooting, at your hourly rate.
Maintenance & failures
- ongoing upkeep from cleaning to part replacement, plus a failed-print allowance.
Margin, shipping & VAT
- everything you need to turn a cost into a sellable price.
Made by a maker, for makers
3D Printing Costs is a free tool built by rafbanaan. No account, no cookies, no tracking - just an honest number. If it saves you time, you can buy me a coffee.