How the cost is calculated
Filament = grams × spool price ÷ spool grams
Electricity = watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × price per kWh
Cost = (filament + electricity) × (1 + failure margin) + labour + other costs
Price = cost × (1 + markup)
Electricity = watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × price per kWh
Cost = (filament + electricity) × (1 + failure margin) + labour + other costs
Price = cost × (1 + markup)
How much power do 3D printers use?
Average power while printing is far below a printer’s rated power supply — heaters run hard during warm-up, then cycle. Manufacturers’ measured averages:
| Printer | Average while printing | Energy for a 5-hour print |
|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab X1 Carbon | 105 W | 0.53 kWh |
| Bambu Lab P1S | 105 W | 0.53 kWh |
| Bambu Lab P1P | 110 W | 0.55 kWh |
| Bambu Lab A1 | 95 W | 0.47 kWh |
| Bambu Lab A1 mini | 80 W | 0.40 kWh |
| Bambu Lab H2D | 197 W | 0.98 kWh |
| Prusa MK3/MK4 (PLA) | 80 W | 0.40 kWh |
| Prusa MK3/MK4 (ABS) | 120 W | 0.60 kWh |
| Creality Ender 3 (original) | 125 W | 0.62 kWh |
Bambu Lab’s figures are for PLA from its power consumption page; Prusa’s are from its FAQ at 26 °C room temperature. The original Ender 3 figure is an independent measurement. Enclosed printers running ABS or ASA with a heated chamber use more. The most accurate figure is your own: a plug-in energy meter costs little and shows the kWh for a whole print.
Filament cost per gram
| Spool price (1 kg) | Per gram | 50 g print | 200 g print | 500 g print |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 0.015 | 0.75 | 3.00 | 7.50 |
| 20 | 0.020 | 1.00 | 4.00 | 10.00 |
| 25 | 0.025 | 1.25 | 5.00 | 12.50 |
| 30 | 0.030 | 1.50 | 6.00 | 15.00 |
| 40 | 0.040 | 2.00 | 8.00 | 20.00 |
| 60 | 0.060 | 3.00 | 12.00 | 30.00 |
If your slicer gives metres rather than grams, convert with the filament length and weight calculator — 1 metre of 1.75 mm PLA is about 2.98 g.
What else to include when selling prints
- Failed prints and test prints. A 10% margin is a common starting point; increase it for long or tricky prints.
- Machine wear. Nozzles, build plates, belts and eventually the printer itself. Some sellers add a per-hour machine cost — divide the printer price by the hours you expect from it.
- Your time: slicing, removing supports, sanding, painting, packing.
- Platform fees and shipping if you sell online.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-04 · Disclaimer