3D Printing True Cost Calculator
The sticker price of a 3D printer is just the beginning. The real cost of ownership includes filament or resin, electricity, replacement parts, and ongoing maintenance. Many first-time buyers are surprised to find that a $200 printer can actually cost $500-800 in its first year when you factor in all the consumables.
Our True Cost Calculator helps you estimate the real 1-year cost of owning either an FDM or resin 3D printer. Simply enter your printer's purchase price, expected usage hours, material costs, and electricity rate — the calculator does the rest.
What's Included in the Estimate
The calculator accounts for several cost factors that many buyers overlook:
- Material consumption — Based on your weekly print hours and the type of material (filament vs resin), we estimate how many kilograms you'll consume per year.
- Electricity — 3D printers typically draw 100-350 watts. Over hundreds of print hours, this adds up. We calculate annual power costs based on your local electricity rate.
- Maintenance & consumables — FDM printers need nozzle replacements and occasional parts. Resin printers require FEP film changes, IPA wash solvent, and screen replacements.
Use this tool alongside our price comparison to find the printer that truly fits your budget — not just at purchase, but over its entire first year. For material selection help, check out our Material Compatibility Explorer.