Support Calculator — Extra Material & Time for Supports

Supports typically add 5-30% extra material depending on the model geometry, support density, and overhang area. A model with many overhangs and dense supports can use up to 50% more material.

Light density (5%) works for small overhangs and gentle angles. Normal density (10%) is a good default. Dense supports (20%) are needed for large flat overhangs, heavy parts, or materials prone to drooping like PETG.

Orient the model to minimise overhangs. Use tree supports instead of grid supports for organic shapes. Reduce support density where possible. Add chamfers to overhanging edges in your design to bring angles below 45 degrees.

Tree supports often use 30-50% less material than standard grid supports and are easier to remove. They work especially well for organic shapes with scattered overhang areas. Standard supports are better for large flat overhangs.