How the calculator works
cost per gram = spool price ÷ net filament weight (g)length (cm) = weight (g) ÷ (density (g/cm³) × π × (diameter (cm) ÷ 2)²)cost per meter = spool price ÷ meters on the spoolMeters per kilogram by material
Typical lengths of 1 kg of filament, using common density values. Real spools vary by brand: Polymaker's data sheets, for example, list PolyLite PLA at 1.17, PolyLite PETG at 1.25, ABS at 1.04, ASA at 1.13 and PC at 1.19 g/cm³ (source). If your spool's data sheet gives another number, type it into the density field above.
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | 1.75 mm | 2.85 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 1.24 | 335 m | 126 m |
| PETG | 1.27 | 327 m | 123 m |
| ABS | 1.04 | 400 m | 151 m |
| ASA | 1.07 | 389 m | 147 m |
| TPU | 1.21 | 344 m | 130 m |
| Nylon | 1.14 | 365 m | 138 m |
| PC | 1.20 | 347 m | 131 m |
Worked example
A 1 kg spool of 1.75 mm PLA costs $20. That is $0.02 per gram and about $0.06 per meter, with roughly 335 m on the spool. A 150 g print uses about 50 m of filament and $3.00 worth of it.
Frequently asked questions
How many meters are on a 1 kg spool?
About 335 m for 1.75 mm PLA and about 126 m for 2.85 mm PLA. Lighter materials give more length per kilogram: 1 kg of 1.75 mm ABS is roughly 400 m. The exact number depends on the density of your brand.
How do I work out the filament cost of a print?
Divide the spool price by the net weight to get the cost per gram, then multiply by the grams your slicer reports. A $20 spool of 1 kg costs $0.02 per gram, so a 150 g print uses $3.00 of filament.
Should I use the weight with or without the reel?
Without. The label shows the net filament weight, usually 1 kg. The empty reel weighs extra and does not print.
Why does the material matter?
Only for length. Price per gram is the same whatever the material, but a denser material packs fewer meters into each kilogram, so its cost per meter is higher.
Is filament the whole cost of a print?
No. Electricity, printer wear, failed prints and your time add to it. The 3D print cost calculator adds all of these up.
Last updated: October 27, 2026
