3D Printer vs Desktop Computer: Which Costs Less to Run?
Using typical wattage and daily use, a 3D printer costs about $3.78 per month, compared with $6.30 for a desktop computer. That is a gap of $2.52 a month at $0.175/kWh.
Side by side
| 3D Printer | Desktop Computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 200 W | 200 W |
| Hours per day | 6 | 6 |
| Cost per hour | $0.021 | $0.035 |
| Cost per day | $0.126 | $0.21 |
| Cost per week | $0.882 | $1.47 |
| Cost per month | $3.78 | $6.30 |
| Cost per year | $45.99 | $76.65 |
| Energy per year | 263 kWh | 438 kWh |
Based on $0.175 per kWh (US average).
Which should you choose?
These two appliances do different jobs, so the cheaper one is not automatically the better choice. The figures use typical wattage, typical daily hours and the share of time each runs at full power.
Want your own numbers? Open either calculator and enter your hours and rate: 3D Printer or Desktop Computer.