Layer height and layer count calculator

Uniform layer count rounded up; first-layer special height omitted.

3d-printing-layer-count.napkin / editable

SCENARIO COMPARISON

Compare the numbers.

This source describes an analytical model. Its quantities and checks are the view.

Scenario	count	builtHeightmm
	125	25
	100	20

All calculated quantities are listed with the inputs. Switch to Source to inspect the equations.

SCENARIOS / CALCULATED VALUESSAME SOURCE

Change an input to see the consequences.

layer count budget125.00 ✓ passes

BASELINE INPUTS

height25 mmlayer0.2 mm

CALCULATED

count125

builtHeight25 mm

Edits change the baseline source.

THE SOURCE

Edits below update the same model.

# Layer height and layer count
# Scope: Uniform layer count rounded up; first-layer special height omitted.
# Status: illustrative worked example; engineering review pending.
# Inputs are example values. Checks are editable example requirements, not standards.

height = 25 mm
layer = 0.2 mm

count := ceil(height/layer)
builtHeight := count*layer [mm]

check layer count budget: count <= 150

scenario alternative: height = 20 mm

Calculated from your source · not saved

Baseline · Baseline

layer count budget125.00 ✓ passes

alternative · alternative

layer count budget100.00 ✓ passes

Illustrative first-order example. Checks are editable requirements, not design standards. The broader topic may require additional equations, data, and validation.

Formula and units

This example uses the following equations. Input names and units match the editable source above.

count: count = ceil(height/layer)
built height: builtHeight = count*layer [mm]

Original worked example

These are the baseline values in the downloadable source. Edits above let you test your own values.

Given

height: 25 mm
layer: 0.2 mm

Calculated

count: 125
built height: 25 mm

Assumptions and limits

Uniform layer count rounded up; first-layer special height omitted.

The requirement checks use the limits written in this example. Passing a check does not establish that the model covers every load, material behavior, or operating condition in a real design.

Download this .napkin example ↓

Take it further with your agent

Napkin keeps the inputs, equations, checks and assumptions together in one study. Your agent sets it up; you change the numbers.

Try with Claude ↗

codex 'Use Napkin (https://napkin.engineering/mcp, or the local Napkin plugin) to build a study: Layer height and layer count. Inputs: part height; first layer; layer height. Outputs: layer count; discretization. Model scope: Geometry plus explicitly calibrated machine and material parameters. Read napkin_capabilities and the current snapshot. Ask me for the values that matter, label assumptions with units, author .napkin source, validate it and apply it with napkin_source using the current revision, then open the study. Add checks for the limits I supply. Keep unsupported analyses explicit.'

Claude needs the Napkin connector; Codex needs the Napkin plugin. Set up your agent ↗

The broader study

The topic brief below describes the broader scope. The worked example above states the particular calculation it implements.

Inputs: part height, first layer, layer height
Outputs: layer count, discretization
Modes: calculate, compare, sweep
Drawing: Part, orientation and layer preview

EXECUTABLE WORKED EXAMPLE · FIRST-ORDER MODEL · CHECK THE SCOPE & ASSUMPTIONS