What is the Filament Remainder Calculator?
The Filament Remainder Calculator prevents the worst nightmare of 3D printing: running out of plastic 95% of the way through a 20-hour print. By weighing your current spool, this tool estimates exactly how many grams and meters of filament you have left.
How to Calculate Remaining 3D Printer Filament (Formulas)
To calculate the remaining material, you must know the "tare weight" (the empty weight) of the specific brand's plastic or cardboard spool.
- Remaining Weight (g): Total Current Spool Weight on Scale - Empty Spool Tare Weight.
- Remaining Length (meters): Remaining Weight (g) / Density of Filament (g/cm^3) (converted for diameter).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an empty filament spool weigh?
Spool weights vary wildly by manufacturer. A standard empty plastic spool (like Hatchbox or Overture) usually weighs between 220g and 250g. Eco-friendly cardboard spools (like Polymaker) are much lighter, typically weighing between 140g and 160g.
Does 1kg of filament include the weight of the spool?
No. When you buy a 1kg spool of 3D printer filament, you are paying for 1,000 grams of the actual plastic material. The total shipping weight of the brand new item will be roughly 1.2kg to 1.3kg because it includes the plastic spool and the cardboard box.
How many meters are in a 1kg spool of PLA?
Because PLA has a specific density of about 1.24 g/cm³, a standard 1kg spool of 1.75mm PLA filament contains roughly 330 meters of printable plastic.