Enter the PLA density, your model volume, and your print settings. The calculator will estimate the printed PLA weight (and filament length).
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PLA Weight Formulas
The following formulas are used to calculate the weight of solid PLA in different shapes (weight = volume × density). If you don’t know your model’s volume, you can estimate it for simple shapes with these formulas and then apply PLA density.
PLA Flat Sheet Weight Formula = L * W * H * d
PLA Round Bar Weight Formula = π * (D^2 / 4) * L * d
PLA Square Hollow Tube Weight Formula = [W^2 – (W – 2T)^2] * L * d
PLA Round Hollow Tube Weight Formula = π * (R^2 – r^2) * L * d
PLA Square Angle Weight Formula = (2*W*T – T^2) * L * d
PLA T bar Weight Formula (uniform thickness) = (W*T + (H – T)*T) * L * d
PLA C Channel Weight Formula = [2*W*T1 + (H – 2*T1)*T2] * L * d
Variables used in these equations:
- L is the length
- W is the width (or outer width / flange width, depending on shape)
- H is the height (or thickness, for a flat sheet)
- d is the density
- D is the outer diameter
- T is the thickness (wall/leg thickness; for the T bar formula it is assumed the flange and web have the same thickness)
- R is the outer radius
- r is the inner radius
- T1 is the flange thickness (C channel)
- T2 is the web thickness (C channel)
Use consistent units. For example, if lengths are in cm and density is in g/cm³, the resulting weight is in grams. If lengths are in inches, use density in lb/in³ to get pounds.
What is the density of PLA?
A typical density for PLA is about 1.24 g/cm³ (≈ 0.0448 lb/in³). Actual values vary by formulation and additives, often roughly around 1.20–1.27 g/cm³.
