3D Printing Cost Per Gram Calculator
3D printing filament costs £0.012–£0.045 per gram (approx. $0.015–$0.055/g) depending on material. To calculate cost per gram: divide your spool price by spool weight in grams — a £20/kg PLA spool = £0.020 per gram. Enter your spool price below for an exact figure, then plug it into your full print cost calculator.
Calculator
Results
Typical material cost ranges (UK, 2026)
| Material | Cost per gram | Typical spool price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | £0.012–£0.028 | £12–£28/kg | General prints, decor, prototypes |
| PLA+ | £0.015–£0.022 | £15–£22/kg | Stronger functional prints |
| PETG | £0.016–£0.032 | £16–£32/kg | Food-adjacent, outdoor, durable parts |
| ABS | £0.014–£0.028 | £14–£28/kg | Heat-resistant, automotive |
| TPU | £0.025–£0.045 | £25–£45/kg | Flexible parts, phone cases, gaskets |
| ASA | £0.018–£0.032 | £18–£32/kg | Outdoor UV-resistant prints |
| Resin (standard) | £0.020–£0.050 | £20–£50/L | High-detail miniatures, jewellery |
UK market-style averages, April 2026. Budget brands (e.g. Sunlu, Overture) sit at the low end; premium (Prusament, Bambu) at the high — always use your real spool price in the calculator.
Why cost per gram matters for pricing
Cost per gram is the foundation of every accurate print quote. A 50g keychain at £0.020/g costs £1.00 in raw material — but with waste allowance, electricity, labour, and markup, the sell price should be £8–£12. Sellers who only look at material cost consistently underprice and lose money on volume.
Use cost per gram to set your material cost input in the main calculator, then add electricity, labour, and your desired markup to get a complete price.