How Is 3D Printing Cost Calculated?

3D printing cost is calculated from the part’s weight and the per-gram price of the selected material; for PLA, PETG, and ABS, the rate is $0.045–$0.081 (excluding VAT). For example, a 100 g PLA part costs approximately $6.52. The price is based on the print weight (the part weight plus a small allowance for supports, waste and print time, shown by the calculator for every file), and any applicable order discount is deducted. Upload your file to the 3D printing cost calculator to see an estimate.

How much does 3D printing cost per gram?

There is no single fixed price per gram. For PLA, PETG, and ABS, the current rate is $0.045–$0.081. The pricing tier is determined by the weight of the parts ordered, not the total weight of the spool: up to 250 g, 251–500 g, and over 500 g. The per-gram price decreases as the part gets heavier. Two prints with the same weight may still cost different amounts because of their material.

PLA, PETG, and ABS are among the more affordable options. Flexible TPU, nylon, and carbon-fiber-reinforced materials can cost more because the material itself is more expensive and printing may take longer. The amounts below are estimates; the final price depends on the model’s infill, wall, and support settings.

Bulk orders receive tiered discounts as the order total increases; shipping is free above a certain order value. The calculator applies discount and shipping conditions automatically based on the order total.

Which settings determine the price?

Infill, wall count, support structure, and layer height affect the part’s weight and therefore its cost. For many parts, 15–25% infill may be enough; strength is determined not only by infill but largely by the number of outer walls as well. Excessive infill increases material use. A hollow or shell-style design and an orientation suited to printing can reduce the required supports and weight.

Balance strength and appearance according to how the part will be used; do not arbitrarily lower settings on load-bearing parts. For more detail on walls, infill, and support choices, see the 3D printing settings guide.

Is there an hourly 3D printer charge or a per-gram price?

We do not charge by the hour; the price is calculated by weight. Print time is not charged separately; it is reflected only as a small allowance within the print weight. So we do not have a fixed hourly rate in response to “How much does a 3D printer cost per hour?” Some workshops may price machine time separately; a weight-based method lets you estimate the cost from the part’s weight and material even before uploading the file.

Print time varies with the part’s size, infill, layer height, and support requirements. For example, a 20 mm cube may take about 20 minutes, a 40 mm cube about 1 hour 45 minutes, and a solid 10 cm cube about a day. Read the guide to how long 3D printing takes for the factors that affect print time.

Why doesn’t 1 kg of filament cost the same as a 1 kg print?

The answer to “How much does 1 kg of filament cost?” does not by itself determine the price of a printing service; the spool price and the finished print price are not the same. The service also covers machine use, electricity, labor, file checks, possible waste and test prints, and support removal. The part’s design and print settings affect time, while the material determines the per-gram cost. A 1 kg PLA print here is estimated at $56.61 (excluding VAT); the spool price is not a direct comparison.

5 ways to reduce the cost

• Avoid unnecessarily high infill; choose a level suited to the part’s intended use.
• Where possible, redesign the part as a hollow or shell-style model.
• Choose an orientation that reduces the need for supports.
• For decorative parts that do not require high strength, consider PLA as a suitable material.
• Combine multiple parts in one order; tiered discounts and shipping conditions are applied automatically based on the total.

How can you find the price of your own file?

Upload your STL, OBJ, 3MF, or STEP file to the calculator to instantly see its weight, estimated print time, and price. The system works in 7 languages. Before ordering, a person reviews your file: you are speaking with a consultant who checks your model, not a robot, and pre-print consultation is free. Estimated delivery time depends on order and production conditions; see the factors that determine delivery time for details.

To see the price for your part, upload your file to the calculator and check the price and print details before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

How much does 3D printing cost?

It depends on the part’s weight and material: for PLA, PETG, and ABS, the price per gram is $0.045–$0.081; for example, a 100 g PLA part costs approximately $6.52 (excluding VAT). Upload your file to the calculator to see the exact price.

Where can I get my STL file printed affordably?

Upload your STL file to the calculator to see an estimate based on the material and part weight. The workshop is based in Istanbul and ships throughout Türkiye.

How can I find the exact price for a 1 kg print?

A 1 kg PLA print costs approximately $56.61 (excluding VAT). For the exact price, upload your file to the calculator and select the material; the part’s geometry and settings affect the result.

Does the calculated price include VAT?

Displayed prices exclude VAT; check the total using the calculator amount and the information provided before ordering.