Guides › Filament density table: PLA vs PETG vs ABS
Filament density table: PLA vs PETG vs ABS
Density decides how much a print weighs and how many metres you get from a kilogram. The same model printed in ABS weighs about 16% less than in PLA.
Density and weight per metre
| Material | Density g/cm³ | g per m (1.75 mm) | Weight vs PLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 1.24 | 2.98 | 100% |
| PETG | 1.27 | 3.05 | 102% |
| ABS | 1.04 | 2.50 | 84% |
| ASA | 1.07 | 2.57 | 86% |
| TPU | 1.21 | 2.91 | 98% |
| Nylon (PA6/PA12) | 1.01–1.14 | 2.43–2.74 | 81–92% |
| PC | 1.20 | 2.89 | 97% |
| HIPS | 1.04 | 2.50 | 84% |
| PP | 0.90 | 2.16 | 73% |
| PVA | 1.23 | 2.96 | 99% |
| Carbon-fibre PLA | 1.20–1.30 | 2.9–3.1 | ~100% |
Values are typical; brands vary by a few percent, and filled filaments (wood, metal, glow) can be much denser — steel-filled PLA can exceed 3 g/cm³. Use the number printed on your spool when it's available.
PLA vs PETG: which is heavier?
PETG is slightly denser (1.27 vs 1.24), so the same part weighs about 2% more and a 1 kg spool is about 8 m shorter. In practice the difference in cost per part is tiny; choose based on properties — PETG is tougher and more heat-resistant, PLA is stiffer and easier to print.
Why your slicer's weight may differ
Slicers default to a density per filament profile. If the profile uses 1.24 for everything, your ABS estimates will read 19% heavy. Set the density in your filament profile for accurate weight and cost.
Recommended gear
- PLA filament, 1 kg (1.75 mm) — The default for most prints; buy a known brand with tight diameter tolerance.
- PETG filament, 1 kg — Tougher and more heat-resistant than PLA for functional parts.
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