How wide should a brim be?

For PLA, 5mm (about 12 lines at 0.4mm width) is usually enough. For PETG use 7-8mm. For ABS or Nylon, 10-15mm provides better hold against warping.

Does a brim waste much material?

Brims are only one layer thick, so they use very little material — typically less than 1g for a small to medium part. They are far more material-efficient than rafts.

How do I remove a brim cleanly?

Peel the brim off by hand while the part is still slightly warm. Any remaining edges can be cleaned with a craft knife or light sanding. A well-tuned brim separates very cleanly.

Brim vs skirt — what is the difference?

A skirt does not touch the part — it only primes the nozzle. A brim attaches to the part edge and adds contact area for adhesion. Use a brim when adhesion is a concern.

3DPrintCalcs

Brim Width Calculator — Optimal Brim Size

Calculate optimal brim width based on part footprint and material shrinkage.

Part Perimeter

Total outer edge length of the base

Part Footprint Area

Material Shrinkage

Line Width

How We Calculate This

Formula

Base brim width = 5mm x Material shrinkage multiplier
Brim lines = Brim width / Line width (rounded up)
Brim area = Part perimeter x Brim width
Filament used = Brim area x Layer height x Density

Materials with higher shrinkage need wider brims. The calculator recommends a minimum of 3mm and maximum of 20mm brim width.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify settings with test prints before committing to final prints.