How much electricity does 3D printing use?
A typical desktop FDM printer draws about 70–150 watts while printing, so a 10-hour print uses roughly 0.7–1.5 kWh — about $0.10–$0.35 at average US/EU rates. Electricity is usually a small part of the total print cost.
The formula
Energy (kWh) = average watts ÷ 1000 × print hours.
Cost = kWh × your electricity rate (per kWh).
Example: 100 W × 10 h = 1.0 kWh; at $0.20/kWh that is $0.20.
Cost of a 10-hour print at different rates
| Electricity rate | 10 h @ 100 W (1 kWh) |
|---|---|
| $0.12/kWh (low US) | $0.12 |
| $0.20/kWh (avg) | $0.20 |
| $0.35/kWh (high EU) | $0.35 |
What raises the power draw?
The heated bed is the biggest draw — large or high-temperature beds (for ABS/PETG) can double average wattage. Enclosures, chamber heaters and high nozzle temps add more. A small PLA print on a cool bed sits at the low end.
Should you include electricity in your price?
For accuracy, yes — but it is minor. For most prints it is cents. It matters most for very long prints or high electricity rates; otherwise your markup already absorbs it.