How this is calculated
If you enter volume, weight is derived as volume × material density. A waste margin is then added on top to account for supports, skirts, purge lines, and failed layers — 10% is a reasonable default for a well-tuned printer, but raise it for prints with heavy support structures. Filament length is estimated assuming standard 1.75mm diameter filament, and cost scales directly from your spool's price per kilogram.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my model's weight or volume?
Every major slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer) shows an estimated filament weight and/or volume in the print preview panel before you start a print — usually right next to the estimated print time. Copy that number in here to get the real cost.
Why does the material choice change the cost if I entered weight in grams?
If you entered weight directly, material density doesn't affect the weight number — but it still affects filament length, since denser materials pack more mass into the same length of filament. Cost is driven by weight and price per kg, not density, in weight mode.
Is 1.75mm the only filament diameter this supports?
Yes — 1.75mm is by far the most common diameter for desktop FDM printers today, so it's the only one built in. If you use 2.85mm/3mm filament, the length estimate won't be accurate, though the weight and cost figures are unaffected by diameter.
Should I include support material in my weight input?
Ideally yes — most slicers report total filament weight including supports and skirt/brim in their estimate. If your slicer separates model weight from support weight, add both together before entering it here, or just bump up the waste margin instead.