Filament Calculators

Filament is the raw material of FDM 3D printing, and understanding its properties is key to getting consistent, high-quality results. Most UK printers use 1.75 mm diameter filament, though some larger machines require 2.85 mm. Our Filament Diameter Calculator shows the cross-sectional area and volume per metre for any diameter, while the Filament Density Calculator provides density values for common materials like PLA (1.24 g/cm3), PETG (1.27 g/cm3), and ABS (1.04 g/cm3). These figures feed directly into weight and cost estimates for your prints.

Knowing how much filament a print will use helps you avoid running out mid-job. The Filament Weight Calculator estimates usage from model volume, the Filament Length Calculator converts spool weight to metres of filament, and the Spool Life Calculator tells you how many prints you can get from a single spool. The Filament Cost Calculator then converts weight usage into a cost figure. UK filament suppliers like 3DJake, Filamentive (a Yorkshire-based eco-friendly brand), and Amazon UK stock spools from around eight pounds for basic PLA up to thirty-five pounds or more for speciality materials like carbon fibre nylon.

Proper storage is essential, especially in the UK climate where humidity can degrade hygroscopic filaments like nylon and PETG. The Filament Storage Calculator works out how much desiccant you need and what size airtight container suits your collection. The Filament Temperature Calculator provides recommended nozzle and bed temperatures for each material type, and the Filament Comparison Calculator lets you compare cost per gram across different brands and spool sizes to find the best value. For multi-colour printing enthusiasts, the Colour Mixing Calculator helps you work out the right filament ratios for gradient and blended prints.