Is a 3D printer expensive to run?

PLA's lower bed temperature draws meaningfully less than ABS; material choice is an energy choice. At typical use it adds about $3.01 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $2.10 in the cheapest states to $7.82 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a 3D printer use?

3D Printer typically draws about 150 running watts. It's a resistive load, so its startup and running wattage are the same. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a 3D printer use?

At typical use (150 W for 4 hours a day), a 3D printer uses about 0.6 kWh per day — roughly 18 kWh per month, or about 2% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a 3D printer?

PLA's lower bed temperature draws meaningfully less than ABS; material choice is an energy choice. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a 3D Printer?

A 3D printer's heated bed and hotend average around 150 watts — an overnight print costs about a quarter. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a 3D printer costs about $3.01/month ($36.09/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 4

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a 3D printer

$36/yr

Per day: $0.10
Per month: $3.01
Energy per year: 219 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a 3D printer use?

At 150 W for 4 hours a day, a 3D printer uses about 0.6 kWh per day — roughly 18 kWh per month and 219 kWh per year. That's about 2% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a 3D printer draws.

Cost to run a 3D printer by electricity rate

Same 150 W appliance, 4 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$2.10	$25.21
US average	16.5¢	$3.01	$36.09
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$7.82	$93.86

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a 3D printer drawing 150 watts for about 4 hours a day costs roughly $0.10 per day, $3.01 per month, and $36.09 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a 3D Printer?

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Cost to run a 3D printer by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions