3D Print Weight & Material Cost Calculator
Enter your model's bounding box, infill, shells, and material to get an estimated print weight and material cost - before you open your slicer. Useful for quick quoting and design review. Nothing uploaded.
Model & Print Settings
Weight Estimate
Pre-slicer estimates are ±20-30%. Actual weight depends on geometry, support structures, and exact infill pattern. Use your slicer's weight readout for precise values.
Learn more: 3D print weight estimation and material density
Why pre-slicer weight estimation matters
You need the weight before you open the slicer - for quoting customers, calculating shipping cost, deciding whether a design change is worth it, or planning print time and cost without a full slicer workflow. This calculator estimates weight from bounding box, infill percentage, shells, and material density, giving you a ballpark figure in seconds.
How accurate is the estimate?
Approximately plus-or-minus 20-30% for typical parts. The estimate uses bounding box volume which overestimates for complex shapes with cutouts and underestimates for parts with integrated details. Supports, rafts, and brims are not included. Use your slicer's weight readout for a precise figure before you actually print.
Material density and cost
Different materials have different densities and prices. PLA weighs 1.24 g/cm³ and typically costs $0.02-0.03 per gram. PETG is slightly denser at 1.27 g/cm³. ABS is the lightest common material at 1.04 g/cm³. The calculator shows both weight and estimated material cost for your chosen material and spool price.
Shell vs infill weight breakdown
The calculator separates shell weight (perimeter walls) from infill weight. A 100x100x100mm cube at 20% infill with 2 shells weighs 25-35g depending on top/bottom layer thickness. At 100% infill the same cube weighs approximately 124g (full density). Understanding this breakdown helps you design for weight and cost.
FAQ
How do I estimate 3D print weight before slicing?
Enter your model's bounding box dimensions, infill percentage, shell count, and material type. The calculator estimates weight using the bounding box volume multiplied by the fill fraction (shells plus infill) and the material density.
How much does a 100mm cube PLA print weigh?
A solid 100x100x100mm cube in PLA weighs approximately 124g (1 cm³ PLA = 1.24g). At 20% infill with 2 shells, the same cube weighs approximately 25-35g depending on shell and top/bottom layer thickness.
What is the density of PLA vs PETG vs ABS?
PLA: 1.24 g/cm³. PETG: 1.27 g/cm³. ABS: 1.04 g/cm³. ASA: 1.07 g/cm³. TPU: 1.21 g/cm³. Nylon: 1.14 g/cm³. PETG is slightly denser than PLA; ABS is the lightest common material.