How to price 3D printed tabletop miniatures
Miniatures are usually resin prints where one plate holds many models. Cost per model depends on how well you pack the build plate.
Typical material use
3–15 ml each
Typical print time
2–6 h per plate
Common materials
Standard or ABS-like resin
Hands-on time
5–15 min each for supports, wash and cure
Step 1: work out your real cost
The calculator is preset for a typical tabletop miniature. Change it to your slicer's numbers.
Estimated cost per print
$4.10
- Material
- $0.35
- Electricity
- $0.01
- Printer wear
- $0.12
- Labor
- $3.33
- Failed-print buffer
- $0.29
An estimate from the numbers you enter. It leaves out packaging, shipping, marketplace fees and tax.
What drives the cost
- Supports can add 20–30% more resin.
- Support removal and cleanup are the biggest labor line.
- Failed plates waste resin for every model on them.
Costs the calculator leaves out
- Gloves, IPA and FEP wear
- Bases
- Small boxes with foam
Step 2: turn cost into a price
A simple method: price = (cost + fixed fees) ÷ (1 − fee % − margin %). Using the example print cost of $4.10, plus about $1.50 for extras, a 10% marketplace and payment fee and a $0.45 fixed fee gives:
| Target margin | Price that covers it |
|---|---|
| 10% | $7.56 |
| 20% | $8.64 |
| 30% | $10.08 |
Illustrative only. Use your marketplace's current fee schedule, shipping and tax. A price that covers cost is not a promise anyone will buy at it, so check demand and competing listings.
Pricing tips for tabletop miniatures
- Divide plate time by the number of models when costing a single mini.
- Painted vs. unpainted are different products with different prices.
- Squads or army bundles spread packaging and fees.
Price other products
Know your cost. Now check the demand.
MeshNomics helps makers research what to make and sell. Compare model interest and marketplace signals, review commercial-use permissions and evaluate production costs before committing printer time and money.
Start your free 30-day trialNo card required. Estimates only, not a promise of sales or profit. Also free: cost calculator · STL repair.
