Pause at Layer Height Calculator
Pausing a print at a chosen height lets you embed magnets, nuts, or weights, swap filament color, or inspect the part. Slicers usually want either the exact height or the layer number, and converting between them must account for the first layer, which is often printed thicker than the rest for adhesion. This calculator subtracts the first layer height from your target, divides the remainder by the regular layer height, rounds to a whole layer, and adds the first layer back. It returns the layer number to pause at and the actual Z height that layer reaches.
Pause height formula
Regular layers = round((target - first layer) / regular layer)
Pause layer = regular layers + 1
Actual Z = first layer + regular layers * regular layer
Difference = actual Z - target
The plus one accounts for the first layer being layer number one. The actual Z shows the nearest layer top to your target, with the difference telling you how close it lands.
Pause at height context
- The first layer is counted separately because it is often thicker for adhesion.
- Pause at the layer whose top is at or just below the feature you want to embed.
- Use the layer number or the height, whichever your slicer's pause option expects.
- The pause is inserted as M600 for a filament change or M0 for a plain pause.
- Rounding picks the nearest whole layer; the difference shows the small offset.
Pause at height: frequently asked questions
How do I find the layer number for a pause height?
Account for the first layer separately because it often has its own height. Subtract the first layer height from the target pause height, divide the remainder by the regular layer height, round to the nearest whole layer, and add one for the first layer. That gives the layer at which to insert a pause for an embedded magnet, nut, or color change.
Why treat the first layer differently?
Many profiles print a thicker first layer for bed adhesion, so it does not equal the regular layer height. Ignoring that offset would shift every layer-number estimate. This calculator subtracts the first layer height before counting the regular layers.
What is pause at height used for?
Pausing mid-print lets you embed hardware such as nuts, magnets, or weights inside the part, change filament color, or inspect a critical region. You insert the pause at the layer that finishes just below the feature you want to add.
Should I pause just below or just above the feature?
Pause at the layer that completes just before the cavity is enclosed, so you can drop the insert in and let the next layers close over it. The calculator reports the layer whose top is at or just below your target height.
How do I trigger the pause?
Most slicers offer a pause-at-height or pause-at-layer post-processing option that inserts the M600 filament-change or M0 pause command. Enter the layer number this tool reports, or the height, depending on which your slicer expects.
Official sources
- Marlin firmware documentation: M125 Park Head / pause.
- RepRap project documentation: G-code reference.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 17 June 2026. See our methodology.