How it works
Material=g/1,000×price/kg×(1+waste); electricity=watts/1,000×hours×tariff; add hands-on labor×hourly cost.
Input definitions
- Filament used (g)
- Enter the value in the labeled unit.
- Filament price per kg
- Enter the value in the labeled unit.
- Printer run time (hours)
- Enter the value in the labeled unit.
- Average printer draw (W)
- Enter the value in the labeled unit.
- Electricity cost per kWh
- Enter the value in the labeled unit.
- Hands-on labor hours
- Enter the value in the labeled unit.
- Labor cost per hour
- Enter the value in the labeled unit.
- Material waste allowance (%)
- Enter the value in the labeled unit.
A worked example
- Filament used (g)
- 100
- Filament price per kg
- 20
- Printer run time (hours)
- 2
- Average printer draw (W)
- 100
- Electricity cost per kWh
- 0.2
- Hands-on labor hours
- 1
- Labor cost per hour
- 10
- Material waste allowance (%)
- 0
Assumptions & limits
Simple FDM consumable/running-cost model. One currency; excludes machine depreciation, failed prints beyond entered waste, overhead, tax and selling margin.
Sources & review
Maintained by AnsRio. Methods and examples use automated checks; this does not imply independent professional certification.
Method updated 2026-10-17. Content checked against the stated method and examples. Our verification approach.
Common questions
Are tax, overhead and refunds included automatically?
Only the costs and rates explicitly entered or described in the formula are included. Use consistent currencies and periods, and check what your own accounting policy requires.
How does the 3D printing material and running cost tool work?
Material=g/1,000×price/kg×(1+waste); electricity=watts/1,000×hours×tariff; add hands-on labor×hourly cost.
What are the assumptions and limits of 3D printing material and running cost?
Simple FDM consumable/running-cost model. One currency; excludes machine depreciation, failed prints beyond entered waste, overhead, tax and selling margin.