What are the default steps/mm for common printers?

Most printers with GT2 belts and 20-tooth pulleys use 80 steps/mm (at 16x microstepping). Z-axis with T8 lead screws (2mm pitch, 4 starts = 8mm lead) use 400 steps/mm. These are starting values to calibrate from.

What is microstepping and should I change it?

Microstepping divides each full step into smaller steps for smoother motion. 16x is standard and offers a good balance. 32x gives slightly smoother motion but can cause missed steps at high speeds. 8x is noisier but more torquey.

How do I calibrate steps/mm?

Print a calibration cube and measure it with calipers. If the 20mm cube measures 20.1mm, adjust steps/mm: new_steps = old_steps x (target / measured). Repeat until dimensions are within 0.05mm.

Does steps per mm affect print quality?

Higher steps/mm gives finer positioning resolution. However, the practical limit is set by the nozzle diameter and other mechanical factors. Most printers have more than enough resolution at 80 steps/mm for the XY axes.

3DPrintCalcs

Stepper Motor Calculator — Steps per mm & Resolution

Calculate steps per mm and microstepping settings for your motion system.

Motor Steps/Rev

200 for 1.8 motor, 400 for 0.9

Microstepping

Motion Type

Belt Pitch

GT2 = 2mm

Pulley Teeth

Standard is 16 or 20

How We Calculate This

Steps/mm Formulas

Belt drive: Steps/mm = (Motor steps x Microstepping) / (Belt pitch x Pulley teeth)
Lead screw: Steps/mm = (Motor steps x Microstepping) / Lead screw pitch
Resolution = 1 / Steps/mm (mm per step)

Standard NEMA17 motors have 200 steps/revolution (1.8 per step). Combined with 16x microstepping and a GT2 belt with 20-tooth pulley, this gives 80 steps/mm or 0.0125mm resolution.

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.