3D Print Material Cost Calculator
Compare PLA, PETG and ABS for a single model: filament weight, total cost and extrusion time side by side. Enter the model volume from your slicer and your material prices to find which is cheapest and fastest for this print.
Last updated: May 2026
From your slicer (cm³ shown next to filament weight). Typical small object: 10–30 cm³.
Enter model volume above to compare PLA, PETG and ABS.
| PLA | PETG | ABS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.24 g/cm³ | 1.25 g/cm³ | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Weight | — | — | — |
| Cost | — | — | — |
| Extrusion time* | — | — | — |
| Notes | — | — | — |
* Extrusion time only — excludes travel moves, retraction and acceleration. Real print time is typically 15–30% longer. Use your slicer for a final estimate. Flow defaults: PLA 15 mm³/s, PETG 11 mm³/s, ABS 11 mm³/s (adjustable above).
How to use this calculator
Open your slicer (Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, Cura) and load your model. The slicer shows the model volume in cm³ alongside the estimated filament weight — it is usually labeled "Volume" or "Used" in the print preview. Enter that number here, then adjust material prices to match your actual spool costs.
The volumetric flow rate (mm³/s) controls the extrusion time estimate. This is the rate at which your hotend can push melted plastic. Higher-end hotends and PLA tolerates higher flow; PETG and ABS run cooler and more viscously, so they typically max out lower. The defaults here (PLA 15, PETG 11, ABS 11) suit a standard 0.4 mm nozzle on a mid-range printer. Adjust them to match your actual print-speed settings if you know them.
What this reveals that the materials-comparison table does not
The materials comparison shows properties like strength and heat resistance per material. This calculator shows what those choices actually cost for your specific model. A model that weighs 24.8 g in PLA weighs only 20.8 g in ABS (lower density) — so ABS can be cheaper per part despite a higher price per kilogram. That calculation is invisible without the volume-based comparison this tool provides.
Reference: typical model volumes
| Object | Typical volume (cm³) | PLA weight |
|---|---|---|
| Benchy test boat | ~16 cm³ | ~20 g |
| Small figurine | 10–30 cm³ | 12–37 g |
| Phone stand / bracket | 20–60 cm³ | 25–74 g |
| Enclosure or box lid | 50–150 cm³ | 62–186 g |
| Functional gear or pulley | 5–40 cm³ | 6–50 g |
| Cosplay prop or helmet | 200–500 cm³ | 248–620 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ABS sometimes cost less per part than PLA, even though PLA filament is cheaper?
Because ABS is less dense: 1.04 g/cm³ vs PLA's 1.24 g/cm³. The same model volume uses 16% less ABS by weight. If ABS is only slightly more expensive per kilogram, the weight saving can close the gap — or reverse it. For example, a 20 cm³ model uses 24.8 g of PLA but only 20.8 g of ABS. At €22/kg for PLA and €26/kg for ABS: PLA costs €0.55, ABS costs €0.54. They are essentially equal. This calculator surfaces that comparison instantly.
Where do I find my model volume in the slicer?
In Bambu Studio: open the print settings panel, preview mode — the filament summary shows "Volume". In PrusaSlicer: the Print Info area below the preview shows "Volume of material used". In Cura: enable the "Used filament volume" setting in preferences, or use the third-party plugin "PrintInformation". All report volume in cm³ (some slicers call it mL — they are the same unit).
Why is the extrusion time estimate lower than my actual print time?
The extrusion time estimates only the time spent pushing plastic — it does not include travel moves between islands, retraction sequences, layer changes, or printer acceleration ramps. On a simple single-piece model, travel adds 10–15% extra time. On a complex model with many islands and support structures, it can add 30–50%. The slicer's time estimate accounts for all of this; use the slicer for your final schedule. Use this tool to compare relative time between materials — the ratio is accurate even if the absolute number is not.
How do I choose between PLA and PETG purely on cost and time?
For cost: PLA is usually cheapest per kg and lightest per part, giving the lowest cost for most models. For time: PLA runs at higher flow rates (15 mm³/s typical vs 11 for PETG), so a PLA print completes faster. If the part does not require PETG's strength or heat resistance, PLA wins on both metrics. The difference is typically 25–35% faster and 10–20% cheaper per part for PLA at standard settings. But if the part fails in the field because PLA was too brittle, the hidden cost of reprinting — or replacement — exceeds the savings.
Should I choose material based on cost, or on properties first?
Properties first, always. Choose the weakest material that the application can tolerate. If a decorative display piece requires no structural strength and will never see heat above 50°C, PLA is correct — cost and time are just confirming that choice. If a functional bracket needs 80°C heat resistance, PETG is required regardless of cost. This calculator helps you budget once the material is chosen, and it surfaces surprising cost relationships (like ABS vs PLA per-part), but it does not replace the properties comparison.