How to Price 3D Prints for Profit in 2026

Why Most 3D Print Sellers Underprice

The number one mistake new 3D print sellers make is pricing based on material cost alone. A spool of PLA costs around €20 for 1kg — so a 50g print costs €1 in material, right?

Wrong. That €1 ignores electricity, machine wear, your time, failed prints, and platform fees.

The Real Cost Formula

A complete cost calculation includes five components:

1. Material Cost

Weight (g) × Price per gram. Simple, but use the actual price you paid, not MSRP.

2. Electricity

Your printer draws 100-350W depending on the model. Over a 6-hour print at €0.25/kWh, that's €0.15-0.52 per print.

3. Machine Depreciation

A €300 printer that lasts 3,000 hours of printing costs €0.10/hour in depreciation. Don't forget to include the cost of nozzles, belts, and other consumables.

4. Labor

Time spent slicing, prepping, removing supports, and shipping. Even at €15/hour, 30 minutes of work adds €7.50 to your cost.

5. Failure Rate

If 10% of your prints fail, multiply your total cost by 1.11 to cover the waste.

Try It Now

Use our free calculator to get your exact cost breakdown:

Setting Your Price

Once you know your true cost, apply a markup based on your market and channel.