3DPrintCalcs
First Layer Settings Calculator
Optimise first layer height, width, temperature and speed for strong bed adhesion.
How We Calculate This
Calculations
- First layer height = Nozzle diameter × 0.75
- First layer width = Nozzle diameter × 1.20
- Bed temperature = Material base + Surface adjustment
- Nozzle temperature = Other-layers base + per-material first-layer delta (PLA +5°C, PETG -10°C, ABS +5°C, TPU 0)
- Speed = 20mm/s base × Material speed factor
- Nozzle gap = First layer height + Z-offset (a negative Z-offset shrinks the gap for more squish)
- Deposited width = First layer width × Flow rate (flow adds plastic to the bead, it does not raise the layer)
Z-offset changes the geometric nozzle-to-bed gap, while flow rate is a volumetric multiplier that widens the deposited bead at a fixed gap. These are shown separately because they act on different things.
Frequently Asked Questions
A good starting point is 75% of your nozzle diameter. For a 0.4mm nozzle, that is 0.3mm. This gives enough squish for adhesion without being so thin that it struggles to extrude evenly.
A wider first layer (typically 120% of nozzle diameter) increases the contact area with the bed. More contact means better adhesion and a more stable foundation for the rest of the print.
Yes. Printing the first layer at 15-25mm/s gives the filament more time to bond with the bed surface. Faster speeds increase the risk of the first layer peeling up or not sticking properly.
Z-offset sets the nozzle-to-bed gap. A negative Z-offset lowers the nozzle so the layer is "squished" into the bed for better adhesion (the calculator shows this as the nozzle gap = layer height + Z-offset). Flow rate is a volumetric extrusion multiplier: with the gap fixed by Z, extra flow does not raise the layer, it widens the deposited bead. The calculator shows the resulting deposited width at your chosen flow.
It depends on the material. PLA prints the first layer about 5°C hotter (215°C vs 210°C) to bite into the bed. PETG is the opposite — the first layer is run cooler (around 230°C) to avoid the nozzle dragging molten plastic. The calculator applies the right per-material adjustment automatically.
Related Calculators
Z-Offset Calculator
Calculate fine Z-offset adjustments for perfect first layer squish.
Brim Width Calculator
Calculate optimal brim width based on part footprint and material shrinkage.
Bed Levelling Calculator
Calculate mesh bed levelling points and spacing for your build plate size.
Bed Temperature Calculator
Find recommended bed temperatures for different materials and surfaces.
Build Volume Calculator
Calculate usable build volume and check if your model fits the print area.
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Last updated: March 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify settings with test prints before committing to final prints.