Print Shrinkage Compensation Calculator
Reviewed by Hamza Gujjar, Algorithm Architect & Software Developer
Last updated: July 27, 2026Why parts shrink after printing
Thermoplastics contract slightly as they cool from their molten extrusion temperature down to room temperature. For materials with high thermal expansion coefficients, like nylon, or ABS printed without an enclosure, this shrinkage is large enough to throw off tight-tolerance parts, press-fit joints, and assemblies with mating components.
Rule of thumb: If a part needs to match a real-world dimension precisely, scale the model up by this calculator's result before slicing, then measure the finished, fully-cooled part and fine-tune the shrinkage percentage for your specific material and printer.
Typical shrinkage by material
| Material | Typical Shrinkage |
|---|---|
| PLA | 0.2% - 0.5% |
| PETG | 0.3% - 0.8% |
| ABS (open frame) | 0.6% - 1.5% |
| Nylon | 1.5% - 3% |
| Polycarbonate | 0.5% - 0.8% |
Worked example
For a nylon part with 2% expected shrinkage:
Scale % = 100 / (1 - 2/100) = 102.04%
Scale the model to 102.04% of its designed size in your slicer before printing to compensate.