3D print build plate layout

Compare two uniform rectangular grids to estimate how many identical parts fit on a 3D printer’s build plate. A zero count means neither uniform grid fits a whole part.

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How it works

Formula

$W = Build plate width - 2 \times Margin on every edge$
$D = Build plate depth - 2 \times Margin on every edge$
$w = Part footprint width$
$d = Part footprint depth$

g =
Original orientation: C₀ = floor((W + g) / (w + g)); R₀ = floor((D + g) / (d + g))
Rotated 90°: C₉₀ = floor((W + g) / (d + g)); R₉₀ = floor((D + g) / (w + g))
Parts in the better uniform grid = max(C₀ × R₀, C₉₀ × R₉₀)
Columns and rows come from the grid with the greater count; ties retain the original orientation.

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Sources

Prusa — object arrangement, spacing and rotationsSources reviewed: 2026-10-30

Assumptions and limitations

Rectangular bounding footprints and uniform orientation only. This is not optimal nesting; mixed rotations may fit more. Include brims and supports in the footprint. Check clamps, head clearances and slicer placement before printing.

How to use this tool

Set up the inputs

Enter usable plate dimensions, part footprint, part-to-part gap and the same margin on every edge. Compare the two orientation rows.

Worked examples

Fit repeated parts inside a print margin

220 × 220 mm; 10 mm × 2 → 200 × 200 mm; (40 + 5) × (60 + 5) mm → 4 × 3 = 12.

Frequently asked questions

How should I read the result from 3D print build plate layout?

The main result selects the higher count of the two grids; ties keep the original orientation. A zero count means neither uniform grid fits a whole part.

Processing and privacy

The calculation or transformation runs in your browser. The tool does not send its input values or generated output to an application server. Loading a page still makes infrastructure requests; optional analytics and Google consent messages have separate controls.

Help and feedback

Consult the linked sources for definitions and reference data. Contact Support if you have a question or notice a problem.

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3D print build plate layout

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