Dimensions & Scaling Calculators

Dimensional accuracy is one of the biggest challenges in FDM and resin 3D printing. Parts that look perfect on screen can end up too tight, too loose, or slightly warped once printed. Our Scale Calculator lets you resize models proportionally and instantly see how dimensions and volume change, which is essential for tabletop miniatures, architectural models, and replacement parts. The Shrinkage Calculator accounts for material contraction as the plastic cools, a particularly important factor for semi-crystalline materials like nylon and PETG that can shrink by 1-2% in each axis.

When designing parts that need to fit together, getting tolerances right saves hours of reprinting. The Tolerance Calculator and Fit Calculator help you determine the correct clearance for sliding fits, transition fits, and press fits between printed components. Our Clearance Calculator focuses on moving parts like hinges and slider mechanisms, while the Wall Gap Calculator identifies the minimum printable gap between parallel walls, typically around 0.4 mm for a standard 0.4 mm nozzle. These tools are popular with UK makers who design functional enclosures, jigs, and custom brackets.

Overhangs and bridging present further dimensional challenges. The Overhang Calculator estimates the maximum unsupported angle your printer can handle, usually around 45-60 degrees depending on cooling and material. The Bridge Calculator determines how far your printer can span horizontally without drooping, and the Support Calculator estimates the extra filament and time needed when supports are unavoidable. The Minimum Feature Calculator rounds out the set by identifying the smallest detail size your printer can reliably reproduce, helping you avoid features that will simply blob or disappear.