Worked Example
How to Price a 100g PLA Print
A worked 100g PLA print pricing example with material, electricity, labor, failure allowance, and markup.
Open 3D Printing Cost CalculatorInputs
| Material price | $24/kg |
|---|---|
| Print weight | 100 g |
| Print time | 6 hours |
| Printer power | 120 W |
| Electricity rate | $0.16/kWh |
| Labor | 0.25 h at $20/h |
| Failure rate | 10% |
| Markup | 30% |
Outputs
| Material cost | $2.40 |
|---|---|
| Electricity cost | $0.12 |
| Labor cost | $5.00 |
| Total cost | $8.27 |
| Suggested quote | $10.75 |
Formula Explanation
Material = 24 / 1000 × 100. Electricity = 120 / 1000 × 6 × 0.16. Total adds labor and a 10% failure allowance, then applies 30% markup.
Assumptions
- PLA price is user-entered.
- Machine hourly cost is set to $0 in this example.
- The quote is an estimate, not a guaranteed shop price.
FAQ
Does this example use live prices?
No. The example uses fixed sample inputs. Replace them with your own rates.
Can I run the calculator with my own values?
Yes. Open the 3D Printing Cost Calculator and enter your own assumptions.