How much to charge for 3d printing
Rates reviewed July 2026
Most 3d printing is priced $10–$150 per print in 2026, with about $35 typical. By the job, a small model / miniature usually runs $10–$30. Your rate depends mainly on filament or resin used and material type and print time.
3D printing is priced from material plus machine time plus your design and finishing work. The classic mistake is charging only for filament; the printer's hours and your post-processing are the real cost.
You should charge
$34
per print · typical $10–$150
Quote at the low end instead of here and you hand back $24 per print. Every single job.
Why this number. Price the machine's time, not just the plastic. A formula like (material × 3) + (print hours × machine rate) + design time stops you quoting $4 for a print that ties up your printer for nine hours.
Got your number? The hard part is keeping it when the client pushes back.
Typical 3d printing prices
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Small model / miniature | $10 – $30 |
| Medium functional part | $25 – $80 |
| Large or detailed piece | $80 – $300 |
| Custom design (modeling fee)separate from print cost | $50 – $200 |
Also common: A common formula is (material cost × 3) + machine time + design fee.
Free · The words, not just the number
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A short, calm script for quoting 3d printing in person. The goal is not to pitch. It is to ask a few good questions, say your number once without flinching, and let them talk themselves into yes.
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What changes the price
- Filament or resin used (grams) and material type
- Print time (machine hours tie up your printer)
- Design or modeling work vs. printing a provided file
- Post-processing: supports, sanding, painting
The pricing move most people miss
Price the machine's time, not just the plastic. A formula like (material × 3) + (print hours × machine rate) + design time stops you quoting $4 for a print that ties up your printer for nine hours.
What to SayAI
They pushed back on your price? Get the exact reply.
Paste what a 3d printing client says. A sales-psychology-trained AI writes the words that hold your price, in seconds. Free.
Get the reply →Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for 3d printing?+
Most 3d printing is priced $10–$150 per print, with a typical rate around $35 per print. Where you land inside that range comes down mainly to filament or resin used (grams) and material type and print time (machine hours tie up your printer). Use the range as your anchor, then adjust up for experience, strong demand, and a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the best way to price 3d printing?+
Most 3d printing is priced per print, which is easy for clients to understand. Set a clear minimum so small jobs still cover your time and travel, and bundle add-ons into packages to lift the average ticket rather than discounting. A common formula is (material cost × 3) + machine time + design fee.
How much should I charge for 3d printing as a beginner?+
Starting out, price near the lower end of the range, roughly $10 to $35 per print. Resist going below that to win work: a price that is too low attracts price-shoppers, signals low quality, and is hard to raise later. Once you have a few happy clients and reviews, move toward $150.
How do I price 3d printing without underselling myself?+
Price from a formula, not a feeling. A common formula is (material cost × 3) + machine time + design fee. Count every hour, including design, sourcing, and packaging, and pay yourself a real wage for them. Price the machine's time, not just the plastic. A formula like (material × 3) + (print hours × machine rate) + design time stops you quoting $4 for a print that ties up your printer for nine hours.
How do I quote 3d printing so the client says yes?+
Price the machine's time, not just the plastic. A formula like (material × 3) + (print hours × machine rate) + design time stops you quoting $4 for a print that ties up your printer for nine hours. Put the quote in writing with exactly what is included, state the price once without apologizing for it, and give one clear next step. A confident, well-structured quote wins jobs at a higher price than a vague one at a lower price.