FDM Layer Height Calculator

FDM layer height and Z-resolution

Layer height is how far the build platform drops between each pass of the nozzle. That single number sets your Z-axis resolution, the total print time, and how obvious the stair-stepping looks on curved surfaces. A handy rule of thumb is h = 0.75 × nozzle, which puts a 0.4 mm nozzle in a reliable window from 0.05 mm to 0.32 mm. Time tracks roughly with t ≈ 1 / h, so doubling the layer height cuts the duration close to half.

The usual presets break down like this. Fine, 0.08–0.12 mm, suits figurines and visual prototypes. Standard, 0.16–0.20 mm, handles everyday prints. Draft, 0.28–0.32 mm, is for jigs, fixtures and quick iteration. Bonding between layers is strongest somewhere around 0.15–0.20 mm, where the new bead carries enough mass to remelt the layer below without spilling over. Adaptive layer height in PrusaSlicer, OrcaSlicer and Cura nudges h per slice, smoothing slopes while letting the vertical walls print fast.

Applications

Let the goal pick the layer height. Reach for 0.08 mm on tabletop miniatures with a Prusa MK4 or Bambu P1S, keep 0.20 mm as your go-to default, and drop to 0.28 mm when you need a print farm cleared overnight on an Ender 3 V3 or ELEGOO Neptune 4. Load-bearing parts do better with thinner layers along the load axis, since interlayer fusion is usually what gives out first in tensile and shear tests.

FAQ

Is a smaller layer height always stronger? Not really. Once you go below about 0.12 mm there's less mass per bead, the heat available for full fusion falls off, and walls can turn brittle. The sweet spot tends to be 0.15–0.20 mm.

How do I cut print time without changing the layer height? Widen the line, turn on input shaping (Klipper, Marlin 2.1+) so you can push acceleration higher, or move to a high-flow hotend such as Revo HF or CHT.

Why do my 0.32 mm layers look rough on curves? Stair-stepping is pure geometry. On a 45° slope the visible step is exactly the layer height, so either drop to 0.16 mm or switch on adaptive layers.