Filament Cost Calculator
Knowing the exact material cost of a 3D print is essential for pricing services, budgeting projects, and comparing filament brands. This calculator uses the simple relationship between grams consumed and the cost per kilogram of filament. Your slicer software reports estimated gram usage after slicing; enter that figure along with the price you paid per kilogram and the calculator returns your precise material cost. The formula applies equally to PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, and any other FDM filament sold by weight.
Filament cost formula
Cost ($) = Grams used * Price per kg / 1,000
Dividing by 1,000 converts the kilogram price to a per-gram price. Multiply by the number of grams consumed to get total material cost.
Understanding filament costs
- Material cost is typically only a fraction of total print cost. Machine depreciation and electricity can be significant for long prints.
- A standard 1 kg spool of PLA contains approximately 330 meters of 1.75 mm filament.
- Infill percentage has a large effect on gram usage. A 15% infill print may use half the filament of a 50% infill print of the same object.
- Support material adds filament usage. Slicer estimates include supports by default when enabled.
- Wasted filament from failed prints, purge lines, and skirts is not included in slicer estimates; add a buffer for waste when pricing work.
Filament cost calculator: frequently asked questions
How do I find how many grams a print uses?
Your slicer software (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio) reports the estimated filament weight in grams on the print preview screen. Use that figure directly.
What is the typical price per kilogram for PLA?
Common PLA filament retails for roughly $15 to $30 per kilogram depending on brand and quality. Budget options start around $12/kg and premium brands can exceed $35/kg.
Does this include electricity cost?
No, this calculator covers material cost only. For a total cost estimate including electricity and machine depreciation, use the Print Cost Total Calculator.
How do I convert meters of filament to grams?
Use the Filament Length to Weight Calculator to convert a length in meters to grams first, then enter the result here.
Why does slicer software show a different weight than expected?
Slicer estimates depend on infill percentage, support structures, shell count, and the density profile loaded for the filament type. Always use the slicer output as the authoritative figure.
Official sources
- NIST: Measurement Needs for Additive Manufacturing.
- America Makes (National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute): americamakes.us.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.