PLA length by spool size
PLA is the most common filament and the reference most people compare against. These figures use a typical density of 1.24 g/cm³.
| Net weight | Metres (1.75 mm) | Metres (2.85 mm) | Feet (1.75 mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 g | 83.8 | 31.6 | 275 |
| 500 g | 167.6 | 63.2 | 550 |
| 750 g | 251.5 | 94.8 | 825 |
| 1 kg | 335.3 | 126.4 | 1,100 |
| 2 kg | 670.6 | 252.8 | 2,200 |
| 3 kg | 1,005.9 | 379.2 | 3,300 |
How it is calculated
One metre of 1.75 mm filament is a cylinder with a volume of 2.405 cm³. At 1.24 g/cm³ that weighs 2.98 g, so 1000 g ÷ 2.98 g = 335 m.
Length (m) = weight (g) ÷ (π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × density)
What that means in practice
- A 1 kg spool of PLA is enough for roughly 40–60 average-sized prints of 15–25 g each.
- Typical nozzle temperature for PLA: 190–220 °C. See the temperature chart.
- Store it dry and away from heat; it softens around 55–60 °C, so avoid hot cars and sunny windows.
- The weight on the label is the filament only. The empty spool adds another 150–250 g for plastic spools.
Frequently asked questions
How much does 1 metre of PLA weigh?
About 2.98 g for 1.75 mm and 7.91 g for 2.85 mm.
How many metres are on a 500 g spool of PLA?
About 168 m of 1.75 mm filament.
Is there enough PLA left for my print?
Weigh the spool, subtract the empty spool weight, and enter the remaining grams in the converter above. Compare it with the length your slicer reports, and keep a few metres spare.
Last reviewed October 2026. See how we calculate.