Is it cheaper to 3D print or just buy it?
Enter the shop price and your print specs. We factor in filament, electricity, and printer amortisation — not just material cost.
Try an example
What you'd buy
Print specs
Your printer situation
✓ Printer cost not factored in — you've already paid for it
Printing is cheaper
You save £16.95 per unit (94% cheaper to print)
Cost comparison
£1.05
🛒 Buy
£18.00
Print cost breakdown (per unit)
Selling this print? Calculate your profit.
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When does 3D printing save money vs buying?
Enter the shop price of the item, estimated filament weight and print time, and how often you'll need it. The calculator compares total cost including printer depreciation so you see the honest break-even point — not just the material cost.
Does owning a 3D printer actually save money?
It depends on what you print and how often. For frequently-needed functional parts — brackets, adapters, enclosures — a printer pays off quickly. For occasional one-off prints, buying is often cheaper once you factor in the printer purchase price, electricity, filament, and failed prints.
How do I calculate 3D printer depreciation per print?
Divide the printer purchase price by estimated total print hours (typically 2,000–5,000 hours for a well-maintained hobbyist printer). A £300 printer at 3,000 hours = £0.10 per hour depreciation. Add this to filament cost and electricity for the true per-print cost.
Is it cheaper to print or buy on Amazon?
For small plastic parts under 30 g, Amazon is often cheaper once you account for filament, electricity, and your time. For larger, customised, or frequently-reordered parts, printing wins significantly. The print vs buy calculator gives you the exact crossover point for your specific item.