PLA Filament Cost Calculator
Enter print weight, PLA price, print time and get material cost, electricity and suggested selling price.
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PLA filament cost in 2026
| Tier | Price per kg |
|---|---|
| Budget PLA | £12–18/kg |
| Mid-range | £18–25/kg |
| Premium | £24–32/kg |
PLA vs PLA+ — is it worth paying more?
PLA+ typically costs around 20% more but is significantly stronger and less brittle. For decorative prints and prototypes, standard PLA is usually fine. For parts that need more toughness or durability, PLA+ is worth the extra cost.
Typical PLA print costs
| Item | Weight | Time | Material | Electricity | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone stand | 35g | 1.5h | £0.88 | £0.1 | £0.98 |
| Vase | 80g | 3h | £2 | £0.2 | £2.2 |
| Figurine | 45g | 4h | £1.13 | £0.27 | £1.4 |
| Cable clip | 8g | 0.5h | £0.2 | £0.03 | £0.23 |
Based on PLA at £0.025/g, 200W printer, £0.34/kWh
FAQ
How much does it cost to print 1kg of PLA?
At £0.025/g, 1kg (1000g) of PLA costs £25 in material. Electricity for the print time (e.g. 50+ hours for 1kg at typical speeds) adds roughly £3–5 at UK rates. Total is around £28–30 for 1kg of prints.
What is the cheapest PLA filament per gram?
Budget PLA can be as low as £0.012–0.015/g (£12–15 per kg). Quality varies; mid-range at £0.020–0.025/g often gives better consistency and fewer failed prints.
How long does a 1kg spool of PLA last?
It depends on your print size and infill. A 1kg spool might be 20–50 small prints or 5–10 large ones. Track weight per print in our calculator to see how many prints you get per spool.
Is PLA expensive compared to other filaments?
PLA is usually the cheapest common filament. PETG and ABS are often 10–30% more per gram. TPU and specialty materials cost more. PLA is a good default for cost-sensitive projects.
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