Compare the price per usable kilogram
Check net filament weight, shipping and other purchase costs you actually paid. A 500 g spool is not directly comparable with a 1,000 g spool by shelf price alone.
The sample values below are controlled examples. They do not mean PETG always costs more than PLA, or that either price is available from a supplier today.
A controlled material-only example
The difference is $0.30 in this example. A different supplier, spool size or print profile can reverse or enlarge it. Add power, machine time and hands-on work before comparing the full job.
| Material | Sample spool | Used | Material cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | $20 / 1,000 g | 60 g | $1.20 |
| PETG | $25 / 1,000 g | 60 g | $1.50 |
Slice each option with its own settings
Use a suitable profile for each material rather than assuming the same time and weight. Supports, print speed and finishing can change total cost. Because the calculator accepts measured grams, you do not need a density guess for this comparison.
Choose for the part, then estimate cost
Cost does not replace checking whether a material suits the part and its printing conditions. Read the manufacturer’s material guidance and test the intended use instead of treating a cheap estimate as a material recommendation.