How Do You Estimate the Amount of Filament You Need?

How Do You Estimate the Amount of Filament You Need (Without Summoning the 3D Printing Gremlins)?

Let’s be honest—estimating filament is basically a 3D printing rite of passage. Too little, and your masterpiece pauses mid-air like it just forgot what it was doing. Too much, and suddenly you’re hoarding filament like it's a rare currency (…which, to be fair, it kind of is).

But good news—we’ve got your back. With a few simple tricks and a pinch of filament-wizardry, you’ll be estimating like a pro.

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1. Know the Volume of Your Model (AKA: How “Thicc” Is It?)

Every print has volume—some are slim, some are chunky, and some are absolute units. Check the volume in your modeling software or do some quick math using the dimensions. More volume = more noodle needed.

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2. Infill Density: The Stuffing Inside the Turkey

Infill controls how much plastic is inside your model:

• 10% — Light and airy, like a croissant

• 20% — Respectably sturdy

• 50% — Built like a brick

Higher infill = more filament AND more bragging rights when you drop it and it survives.

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3. Layer Height: Tall Layers Eat Less

Layer height determines how thick each layer of your print is:

• Higher layers: Faster, fewer layers, less filament

• Lower layers: Slower, more layers, more filament, more time to question your life choices

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4. Your Slicer Already Knows—Just Ask It

This is the part most beginners miss: your slicer program literally tells you how many grams of filament your print will use.
Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, OrcaSlicer—you name it—ALL calculate estimated grams or meters of filament before the print even starts.
Just slice, check the “Filament Used” section, and boom. Instant clarity.

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5. Use a Filament Calculator (Because Robots Are Helpful)

Online filament calculators are a great backup. Feed them your volume, infill, and layer height, and let them do the nerd work.

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Real-World-ish Examples

• Small, simple print (10% infill, 0.2mm layers): ~10g

• Medium model (20% infill, 0.1mm layers): ~50g

• Large, complex beast (50% infill, 0.05mm layers): ~200g

Not an exact science—but close enough that the Gremlins stay away.

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Bonus Tips for Filament-Mastery

Weigh Your Spool to See What’s Actually Left

Not sure if your spool has enough filament for the print?
Just weigh the whole spool and subtract the tare weight (the weight of the empty spool).
Most spools list the tare weight on the side, or you can weigh an empty one.

Spool Math = No Failed Prints Because “Oops, I Ran Out”.

Print a Test Model

A tiny test print can tell you exactly how much filament your design will gobble.

Try Filament-Saving Modes

Economy modes reduce filament but increase print time—kind of like driving a Prius in “Eco.”

Your Accuracy Gets Better With Experience

Eventually you’ll eyeball a model and whisper, “That’s definitely 47 grams.”

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Pro Tip: Big Projects Deserve Big Spools

Nothing kills momentum like running out of filament at 98%. It’s emotionally devastating and scientifically proven to cause dramatic sighing.

Avoid the heartbreak with bigger spools:

Coex 3D offers massive spool options:

• 5 lb

• 9 lb

• 15 lb

• 22 lb MEGA-SPOOLS

If you want a specific material in a size you don’t see listed, send us a message at support@coex3d.com.
We’ll help you get exactly what your printer craves.

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Print Smart. Print Confident. Print With Coex 3D.

Go forth and estimate like the filament wizard you were destined to be.