Worked Example
PLA vs PETG Print Cost
Compare two user-entered material prices for the same print weight before adding labor or markup.
Open 3D Printer Filament Cost CalculatorWhat This Example Shows
A material comparison is useful when the same model can be printed in either PLA or PETG and the customer only needs a durability upgrade. The weight stays fixed so the comparison isolates spool price instead of mixing in print time or labor.
The $0.72 material difference is not the whole pricing decision. PETG may print slower, need more tuning, have a higher failure risk, or require different finishing, so move to the full cost calculator before quoting a finished job.
Inputs
| PLA spool | $22 per 1000 g |
|---|---|
| PETG spool | $28 per 1000 g |
| Print weight | 120 g |
Outputs
| PLA material cost | $2.64 |
|---|---|
| PETG material cost | $3.36 |
| Difference | $0.72 |
Formula Explanation
PLA = 22 / 1000 × 120. PETG = 28 / 1000 × 120. Difference = PETG - PLA.
Use This Example When
- You need to show the material-only cost difference between two manually entered spool prices.
- You are checking whether a stronger material meaningfully changes the quote floor.
- You want to keep material comparison separate from labor, machine, and failure assumptions.
Before You Use the Number
- Use the same print weight only when the slicer estimate is the same or close enough for the comparison.
- PETG tuning, print speed, and failure risk are excluded here and should be added separately when relevant.
Assumptions
- Both materials use the same print weight.
- Print time, failure rate, and tuning differences are excluded.
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 Printer Filament Cost Calculator and enter your own assumptions.