Resin Volume Calculator for SLA & DLP Prints
Find exact UV resin needed for an SLA/DLP print from model volume plus supports, avoiding running short or overmixing.
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Formula
Total Resin = (Model Volume + Support Volume) x Copies + Vat Loss
Model volume comes from your slicer or CAD software. Support volume is a percentage based on density. Vat loss (typically 8%) accounts for resin left on the FEP and tank. Hollowing reduces model volume by subtracting the inner cavity.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Miniature Figure with Medium Supports
Problem:A 28mm-tall tabletop miniature has a model volume of 8 cm3. Print 4 copies with medium supports, solid (not hollow), at 0.05mm layer height, 28mm build height. Resin costs $35/liter.
Solution:Model volume = 8 cm3 per copy\nSupports at Medium (20%) = 8 x 0.20 = 1.6 cm3\nTotal per copy = 8 + 1.6 = 9.6 cm3\nAll 4 copies = 9.6 x 4 = 38.4 cm3 = 38.4 mL\nVat loss (8%) = 38.4 x 0.08 = 3.07 mL\nGrand total = 38.4 + 3.07 = 41.47 mL, rounds to 41.5 mL = 0.041 L\nCost = 0.041 x $35 = $1.45\nPrint time = 28mm / 0.05mm = 560 layers x 8s/layer = 4,480s = 74.7 min = ~1.2 hours\nWeight = 41.47 mL x 1.15 g/mL = 47.7 g (1.7 oz)
Result:41.5 mL total resin | $1.45 cost | ~1.2 hours print time (560 layers)
Example 2: Large Hollow Bust with Heavy Supports
Problem:A display bust has 350 cm3 solid volume, hollowed with 2.5mm walls. Heavy supports, 1 copy, 0.05mm layers, 120mm tall. Resin costs $40/liter.
Solution:Solid model volume = 350 cm3\nOuter radius equivalent (sphere approximation) = (3 x 350 / 4pi)^(1/3) = 4.37 cm\nInner radius after 2.5mm wall = 4.37 - 0.25 = 4.12 cm\nInner cavity volume = 4/3 x pi x 4.12^3 = 293.3 cm3\nHollow shell volume = 350 - 293.3 = 56.68 cm3\nHeavy supports (35%) = 56.68 x 0.35 = 19.84 cm3\nTotal = 56.68 + 19.84 = 76.51 cm3 = 76.51 mL\nVat loss (8%) = 76.51 x 0.08 = 6.12 mL\nGrand total = 76.51 + 6.12 = 82.63 mL, rounds to 82.6 mL = 0.083 L\nCost = 0.083 x $40 = $3.31\nPrint time = 120mm / 0.05mm = 2,400 layers x 8s/layer = 19,200s = 320 min = 5.3 hours\nWeight = 82.63 mL x 1.15 g/mL = 95.0 g (3.4 oz)\nFor comparison, printing the same bust solid (heavy supports, no hollowing) needs 510.3 mL ($20.41) - hollowing saves about 427.7 mL (84%) and $17.11, with no change
Result:82.6 mL total resin | $3.31 cost | Saved ~427.7 mL (84%) vs. printing solid
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the model volume number Resin Volume Calculator for SLA & DLP Prints asks for?
Your slicer already calculates it: in ChiTuBox it's shown in the model information panel after loading the STL/OBJ, in Lychee Slicer it's in the model properties panel, and PrusaSlicer shows it on the resin printer profile summary. If you're working from CAD, Blender's Mesh menu has a 'Print3D Check All' option that reports volume directly, and Fusion 360/Meshmixer expose it under mass properties. Enter that number in the Model Volume field above and pick the matching unit (cm3/mL, mm3, or in3) - most slicers report in mm3 by default, so double-check the unit before reading the result.
How much extra resin do supports actually add to my print?
It depends on the support density you choose, and Resin Volume Calculator for SLA & DLP Prints uses the same ranges most slicers default to: Light adds about 10%, Medium (the typical slicer default) adds about 20%, Heavy adds about 35% for large overhangs or flat-bottomed models, and Very Heavy can add 50% or more for oversized or fragile geometry. The single biggest lever on that percentage is model orientation - tilting a model reduces flat overhangs and often lets you drop from Heavy to Medium supports, which is usually a bigger resin saving than any other setting on this page.
How much resin do I actually save by hollowing a model?
It scales with model size and wall thickness, not a flat percentage - our worked example above shows a 350 cm3 solid bust dropping to about 57 cm3 of shell material with 2.5mm walls, roughly 84% less resin overall once supports and vat loss are included. Toggle 'Hollow Shell' on and enter your wall thickness (2-3mm is typical for display pieces, 2.5-3mm+ for anything load-bearing) to see the savings for your specific model. Remember that hollow prints need at least two 3-4mm drain holes so uncured resin can escape the cavity after printing - without them, trapped liquid resin can crack or leak from the part later.
Why does my slicer show a different resin amount than Resin Volume Calculator for SLA & DLP Prints?
Slicers like ChiTuBox and Lychee compute support volume from the exact 3D geometry of the support tree they generate for your model's orientation, while Resin Volume Calculator for SLA & DLP Prints applies a flat percentage for the density level you select - so it's built for fast budgeting and shopping-list estimates, not a substitute for your slicer's per-model number. Vat-loss assumptions also differ: this tool applies a fixed 8% for resin left on the FEP and tank walls, which is a reasonable mid-range figure but can run higher or lower depending on your printer and cleanup habits. Use Resin Volume Calculator for SLA & DLP Prints to figure out how much resin to buy before you start, then trust your slicer's live estimate once supports are actually generated.
References
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy