What the Empty Filament Spool Weight Database Provides
When managing a 3D printing filament inventory or checking whether a partially used spool has enough polymer left for a print job, you need the empty weight (tare weight) of the plastic or cardboard spool core. Subtracting the empty spool tare weight from your scale's gross reading reveals the exact grams of remaining filament.
This reference table compiles typical empty spool weights in grams (`g`) across major 1 kg 3D printing filament brands—including Bambu Lab reusable and cardboard spools, Polymaker, Elegoo, Overture, Sunlu, eSUN, Prusament, Hatchbox, Printed Solid Jessie, and Micro Center Inland—alongside generic cardboard (`140 g`) and generic injection-molded plastic (`220 g`) fallbacks.
How to Use Empty Spool Tare Weights in 3 Steps
- Identify Your Spool Core Material: Check whether your filament is wound on a pressed cardboard core (`130–168 g`), a hexagonal polycarbonate/ABS sidesaddle reel like Prusament (`202 g`), or a two-piece twist-lock reusable spool like Bambu Lab (`250 g`).
- Subtract Tare from Gross Scale Weight: Weigh the spool on a digital gram scale and subtract the table value:
Net_Filament_g = Gross_Scale_g − Tare_g. - Convert Grams to Meters or Check Print Feasibility: Open the interactive Filament Spool Weight Calculator to convert remaining grams into meters (`m`) and check whether your next sliced G-code will finish.
Worked Example: Bambu Lab Reusable vs. Cardboard Spool
Suppose a partial spool of Bambu Lab Basic PLA weighs `412 g` on your scale:
Net Filament = 412 g − 250 g = 162 g (54.3 m @ 1.75 mm PLA)
On Bambu Lab Cardboard Spool (132 g tare):
Net Filament = 412 g − 132 g = 280 g (93.9 m @ 1.75 mm PLA)
Because the reusable plastic spool weighs `118 g` more than the inner cardboard refill core, selecting the right spool type prevents a `118 g` (`39.6 m`) estimation error.
Limitations & Why Spool Weights Vary by Batch
All weights in this database are typical empty spool weights (`last updated 2026-11-01`). Manufacturers occasionally change spool suppliers, rim cutouts, or cardboard adhesive density between production runs. Furthermore, cardboard spools are hygroscopic and can gain `3–6 g` of moisture in humid rooms or lose `3–6 g` after 8 hours in a 55°C filament dryer. Whenever you finish a spool, weigh the empty reel once on your scale and write its exact tare in marker on the flange of new spools from the same batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cardboard spools weigh less than plastic spools?
Pressed kraft-paper cardboard spools (such as Elegoo at `132 g`, Inland at `130 g`, and Polymaker at `140 g`) have lower material density than injection-molded ABS or polycarbonate spools (`195–250 g`).
Does the RFID tag on a Bambu Lab spool change its weight?
No. The dual RFID sticker and paper ring inside a Bambu Lab spool weigh less than `1.5 g`, which is already included in the `132 g` cardboard core and `250 g` reusable spool tare weights.
What fallback tare weight should I use for an unlisted brand?
Use `140 g` for a standard 200 mm diameter cardboard 1 kg spool, or `220 g` for a standard solid-flange black plastic 1 kg spool.
How can I convert my net filament grams into meters?
Use our Filament Grams to Meters Converter or the full Spool Weight Calculator.