How Much Electricity Does A 3D Printer Use?
A 3D printer typically uses about 200 watts while running. At 6 hours a day that is 0.72 kWh per day, 21.6 kWh per month and 263 kWh per year (assuming it draws full power about 60% of the time).
Calculate your own cost
- Per hour
- $0.0210.12 kWh
- Per day
- $0.1260.72 kWh
- Per week
- $0.8825.04 kWh
- Per month (30 days)
- $3.7821.6 kWh
- Per year
- $45.99263 kWh
Formula: watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × rate. Edit any box and every number updates instantly.
People also ask
How much does a 200-watt 3D printer cost per hour?
At $0.175/kWh, it costs $0.021 per hour. The maths: 200 W ÷ 1,000 = 0.2 kWh per hour, × $0.175 = $0.035. This page assumes it draws full power about 60% of the time, so the hourly figure shown is lower.
How much does it cost per month?
Used 6 hours a day for 30 days, it costs about $3.78 per month and uses 21.6 kWh. Change the hours in the calculator above to match how you use it.
How many kWh does it use?
0.72 kWh per day, 21.6 kWh per month and 263 kWh per year at 6 hours a day. A kWh is one kilowatt (1,000 W) used for one hour. It is the unit on your electricity bill.
How can I lower the cost?
Use the printer’s measured energy or power-monitor data for a precise job estimate. Check your bill for the exact rate and enter it above.
Does my electricity rate change the answer?
Yes, a lot. At 10¢ per kWh the monthly cost is $2.16 and at 30¢ it is $6.48. Find your rate on your bill (total cost ÷ kWh used) and type it into the calculator.
Cost by hours of use
| Used per day | Energy per day | Cost per day | Cost per month | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.12 kWh | $0.021 | $0.63 | $7.67 |
| 2 hours | 0.24 kWh | $0.042 | $1.26 | $15.33 |
| 3 hours | 0.36 kWh | $0.063 | $1.89 | $23.00 |
| 4 hours | 0.48 kWh | $0.084 | $2.52 | $30.66 |
| 5 hours | 0.6 kWh | $0.105 | $3.15 | $38.33 |
| 6 hours | 0.72 kWh | $0.126 | $3.78 | $45.99 |
| 7 hours | 0.84 kWh | $0.147 | $4.41 | $53.66 |
| 8 hours | 0.96 kWh | $0.168 | $5.04 | $61.32 |
| 9 hours | 1.08 kWh | $0.189 | $5.67 | $68.99 |
| 10 hours | 1.2 kWh | $0.21 | $6.30 | $76.65 |
| 11 hours | 1.32 kWh | $0.231 | $6.93 | $84.32 |
| 12 hours | 1.44 kWh | $0.252 | $7.56 | $91.98 |
| 13 hours | 1.56 kWh | $0.273 | $8.19 | $99.65 |
| 14 hours | 1.68 kWh | $0.294 | $8.82 | $107.31 |
| 15 hours | 1.8 kWh | $0.315 | $9.45 | $114.98 |
| 16 hours | 1.92 kWh | $0.336 | $10.08 | $122.64 |
| 17 hours | 2.04 kWh | $0.357 | $10.71 | $130.31 |
| 18 hours | 2.16 kWh | $0.378 | $11.34 | $137.97 |
| 19 hours | 2.28 kWh | $0.399 | $11.97 | $145.64 |
| 20 hours | 2.4 kWh | $0.42 | $12.60 | $153.30 |
| 21 hours | 2.52 kWh | $0.441 | $13.23 | $160.97 |
| 22 hours | 2.64 kWh | $0.462 | $13.86 | $168.63 |
| 23 hours | 2.76 kWh | $0.483 | $14.49 | $176.30 |
| 24 hours | 2.88 kWh | $0.504 | $15.12 | $183.96 |
How we worked it out
- Energy per hour: 200 W ÷ 1,000 = 0.2 kWh, × 60% of the time at full power = 0.12 kWh
- Cost per hour: 0.12 kWh × $0.175 = $0.021
- Cost per day: × 6 hours = $0.126
- Month and year: × 30 days = $3.78, × 365 days = $45.99
About 3D printer running costs
A 3D printer’s heated bed and hot end create changing power demand. Average draw varies by material, bed temperature and print duration.
Typical sizes: 100 W, 200 W, 350 W, 500 W.
How to spend less: Use the printer’s measured energy or power-monitor data for a precise job estimate.
What this estimate assumes
- The appliance draws full power about 60% of the time, because it cycles on and off.
- Wattage is the typical label value, not a measured value. Check the label on your own appliance.
- The rate is an approximate residential average. Your bill may include fixed fees, tiers or time-of-use pricing. Edit the rate above.
- A month is 30 days and a year is 365 days.