Shrinkage Compensation Calculator
All thermoplastic materials shrink as they cool from the printing temperature back to room temperature. To achieve a dimensionally accurate final part, the model must be scaled up before printing so that after shrinkage it reaches the target size. This calculator uses the measured shrinkage percentage to compute the exact scale factor to apply to the model in your slicer. The formula is derived from the basic requirement that nominal * scale * (1 - shrink%) = nominal.
Shrinkage compensation formula
Scale factor = 1 / (1 - shrinkage% / 100)
Scale percentage = Scale factor * 100
For 0.5% shrinkage: scale = 1 / (1 - 0.005) = 1 / 0.995 = 1.00503. Apply this as 100.50% scale in the slicer. The part then shrinks by 0.5% after printing, arriving at the nominal dimension.
Typical shrinkage rates
- PLA: 0 to 0.3%
- PETG: 0.2 to 0.5%
- ABS: 0.5 to 0.8%
- ASA: 0.5 to 0.8%
- Nylon PA12: 1 to 2%
- Nylon PA6: 1.5 to 2.5%
- PEEK: 0.5 to 1.0%
- TPU 95A: 0.5 to 1.2%
Shrinkage compensation calculator: frequently asked questions
Why do 3D printed parts shrink?
Thermoplastic materials expand when heated and contract as they cool. The cooling contraction after printing is the primary cause of dimensional shrinkage. Crystalline materials like nylon and PEEK shrink more than amorphous ones like PLA and PETG.
How do I measure actual shrinkage?
Print a calibration part (such as a 100 mm cube or XYZ calibration block) and measure the actual dimensions with calipers. Shrinkage % = (nominal - actual) / nominal * 100. Measure in all three axes as shrinkage can be anisotropic.
What are typical shrinkage rates for common materials?
PLA typically shrinks 0 to 0.5%, PETG 0.2 to 0.5%, ABS 0.5 to 0.8%, Nylon (PA12) 1 to 2%, PEEK 0.5 to 1%, and flexible materials (TPU 95A) 0.5 to 1.2%. Values vary by brand, color, and print settings.
Is shrinkage the same in X, Y, and Z?
No. In FDM printing, shrinkage in Z (layer height direction) is often different from X and Y (planar directions) due to the layer-by-layer construction and thermal gradients. Measure each axis separately and apply individual scale factors if needed.
How do I apply the scale factor in my slicer?
In most slicers (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio), scale the model by the calculated percentage before slicing. For example, if your scale factor is 1.006, scale the model to 100.6% in the relevant axes. Some slicers have a dedicated shrinkage compensation field.
Official sources
- ASTM International: ASTM F2792 Standard Terminology for Additive Manufacturing.
- NIST: Measurement Needs for Additive Manufacturing.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.