What is the smallest feature an FDM printer can make?

With a standard 0.4mm nozzle, the thinnest wall is 0.4mm (single extrusion width). The smallest hole is about 0.8-1mm diameter. Features smaller than the nozzle diameter cannot be reliably reproduced.

Can resin printers produce smaller features?

Yes, significantly. Resin printers have XY resolution of 0.035-0.05mm (pixel size), allowing features as small as 0.1mm. This makes them ideal for miniatures, jewellery, and dental models requiring fine detail.

Why do small holes print closed?

The nozzle extrudes a bead wider than the hole diameter, causing the extruded material to fill the hole. Holes need to be at least 2x the nozzle diameter. You can drill out smaller holes after printing.

How do I print very fine pins and posts?

Minimum pin diameter is about 2-3mm for FDM (0.4mm nozzle). Below this, the nozzle cannot trace a full circle. Reduce print speed and increase cooling for thin features. Resin printers can produce pins as small as 0.5mm.

Does layer height affect XY resolution?

Layer height primarily affects Z resolution and surface smoothness, not XY detail. However, thinner layers mean more precise positioning of features that start/stop at specific heights. XY resolution is mainly determined by nozzle size (FDM) or pixel size (resin).

3DPrintCalcs

Minimum Feature Calculator — Smallest Printable Details

Calculate the smallest feature size your printer can reliably produce.

Nozzle Diameter

For FDM printers

Layer Height

Feature Type

Printer Type

How We Calculate This

Minimum Feature Formulas (FDM)

Min wall width = Nozzle diameter (single perimeter)
Min height = Layer height (single layer)
Min hole diameter = Nozzle diameter x 2
Min slot width = Nozzle diameter x 1.2
Min pin diameter = Nozzle diameter x 2.5

FDM resolution is fundamentally limited by the nozzle diameter in XY and layer height in Z. Features smaller than these limits will either be skipped by the slicer or printed with poor quality.

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.