Understanding Filament Costs
How filament costs are calculated and used in pricing
Overview
Filament costs are one of the most significant direct costs in 3D printing. Understanding how these costs are calculated ensures accurate pricing for your prints and helps you make informed decisions about which materials to use.
Cost Calculation Formula
Cost per Gram = Spool Cost ÷ Spool Weight
Cost per Kilogram = Cost per Gram × 1000
Step-by-Step Example
Filament: Hatchbox PLA
- • Spool Cost: $22.99
- • Spool Weight: 1000g (1kg)
Calculations:
Cost per gram: $22.99 ÷ 1000g = $0.02299/g
Cost per kg: $0.02299 × 1000 = $22.99/kg
How Calculator Uses Filament Costs
When you use the cost calculator, it multiplies the cost per gram by the total material weight needed for your print:
Material Cost = Cost per Gram × Print Weight (grams)
Complete Example:
• Filament: PLA at $0.023/g
• Print Weight: 125g
Material Cost:
$0.023 × 125g = $2.88
This $2.88 material cost is included in your total print cost breakdown.
Currency Handling
Automatic Currency Conversion
All filament costs are stored in USD internally but displayed in your preferred currency.
When you add a filament: You enter the cost in your current currency, it's converted to USD for storage.
When you view filaments: Costs are automatically displayed in your preferred currency.
When you change currency: All costs update immediately to the new currency.
Best Practices
Use Actual Purchase Prices: Always enter what you actually paid, including discounts or bulk pricing.
Verify Spool Weight: Check the exact weight on the spool label. Don't assume all spools are 1kg.
Update When Prices Change: If you repurchase the same filament at a different price, update your library.