Calculate and visualize your perfect Gridfinity storage system for an organized workspace
Workspace Dimensions
Bin Configuration
Bin #1
Bin #2
Additional Options
Modular Design
Gridfinity uses a standardized 42mm grid system that allows for infinite customization and organization possibilities.
3D Printable
All Gridfinity components are designed to be 3D printed, making it accessible and customizable for everyone.
Workspace Optimization
Maximize your workspace efficiency with customizable bins, dividers, and accessories that fit your exact needs.
Important Note
This calculator provides estimates for planning your Gridfinity system. Actual print times, filament usage, and dimensions may vary based on your specific printer, filament, and settings. Always print a test piece to verify dimensions before committing to a full print.
Gridfinity Calculator: Complete Guide to Modular Organization System
Gridfinity represents a revolutionary approach to organization through its modular, 3D-printable bin system that has transformed workshops, offices, and homes worldwide. Developed by Zack Freedman, this open-source system provides a standardized grid-based organization method that is infinitely customizable and scalable.
This comprehensive guide explores the Gridfinity ecosystem, its core principles, implementation strategies, and optimization techniques. Whether you’re a 3D printing enthusiast, workshop organizer, or simply someone seeking better organization solutions, understanding Gridfinity will transform how you approach storage and organization.
What is Gridfinity?
Gridfinity is a modular organization system built around a standardized 42mm × 42mm grid pattern. Each unit in this system is designed to be 3D printed and interlock perfectly with other components, creating a flexible and customizable organization solution.
Core Gridfinity Components
Base Plates
The foundation of the system, providing the grid structure that holds all components. Available in various sizes to fit different spaces.
Bins & Containers
Modular storage units that snap into base plates. Available in multiple sizes (1×1, 2×1, 2×2, etc.) and configurations.
Dividers & Organizers
Internal components that customize bin interiors for specific items like screws, electronics, or tools.
Specialty Holders
Custom-designed holders for specific tools, bottles, or equipment that integrate seamlessly with the grid system.
The beauty of Gridfinity lies in its standardization – every component regardless of source follows the same dimensional specifications, ensuring perfect compatibility across the entire ecosystem.
Gridfinity Core Specifications
Fundamental Dimensions
Grid Unit Size
42mm × 42mm × 7.6mm (height per unit)
Magnet & Screw Holes
Standardized 6mm diameter holes for 6×3mm magnets or mounting screws
Bin Height Units
Available in multiples of 7.6mm (1U, 2U, 3U, 4U, 5U, 6U, 7U)
Base Plate Thickness
Standard 4.2mm thickness with reinforced grid structure
Gridfinity Unit Visualization
Click on different bin sizes to see how they fit in the grid
Gridfinity Bin Sizing System
The Gridfinity bin sizing system uses a straightforward nomenclature that makes planning and organization intuitive. Understanding this system is key to effectively implementing Gridfinity in your space.
1×1 Units
Dimensions: 42mm × 42mm
Perfect for small items: screws, nuts, bolts, electronic components, jewelry, or as dividers within larger bins.
2×1 Units
Dimensions: 84mm × 42mm
Ideal for longer tools, pens, pencils, or collections of smaller items that benefit from rectangular organization.
2×2 Units
Dimensions: 84mm × 84mm
Versatile square bins for medium-sized items: tape rolls, small tools, electronic devices, or craft supplies.
3×1 Units
Dimensions: 126mm × 42mm
Excellent for longer items: rulers, small wrenches, files, or as specialized tool holders.
3×3 Units
Dimensions: 126mm × 126mm
Large storage for bulkier items: power tools, rolls of tape, larger hardware, or collections of related items.
Custom Sizes
Any X×Y combination
The system supports any rectangular combination, allowing perfect customization for unique storage needs.
Gridfinity Bin Size Distribution
Implementation Planning and Space Calculation
Proper planning is essential for successful Gridfinity implementation. Understanding how to calculate your space requirements and optimize bin selection will save time, filament, and frustration.
Space Calculation Formulas
Base Plate Size Calculation
Number of Grid Units = ⌊Available Width / 42mm⌋ × ⌊Available Depth / 42mm⌋
Bin Volume Calculation
Volume (ml) ≈ (X × 42mm – 4mm) × (Y × 42mm – 4mm) × (Z × 7.6mm – 2mm)
Planning Example: Drawer Organization
For a standard 450mm × 300mm drawer:
Grid Capacity Calculation
Available Width: 450mm
Available Depth: 300mm
Grid Units Wide: ⌊450 / 42⌋ = 10 units
Grid Units Deep: ⌊300 / 42⌋ = 7 units
Total Capacity: 70 grid units
Sample Bin Configuration
4 × 2×2 bins = 16 units
6 × 2×1 bins = 12 units
8 × 1×1 bins = 8 units
2 × 3×1 bins = 6 units
Total Used: 42/70 units (60% utilization)
3D Printing Time Estimates
| Bin Size | Print Time (0.2mm layer) | Filament Used | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1×1 × 3U | 45 minutes | 5g | $0.15 |
| 2×1 × 4U | 1.5 hours | 12g | $0.36 |
| 2×2 × 5U | 3 hours | 25g | $0.75 |
| 3×3 × 6U | 6 hours | 55g | $1.65 |
| Base Plate (10×7) | 8 hours | 120g | $3.60 |
*Estimates based on standard PLA filament at $30/kg and typical printer settings
Gridfinity Applications and Use Cases
Workshop Organization
Perfect for sorting screws, nuts, bolts, drill bits, and small tools. Custom holders for specific tools like calipers, tweezers, or drivers.
Electronics Workbench
Organize resistors, capacitors, ICs, connectors, and small components. Specialized bins with ESD-safe options.
Office Supplies
Sort pens, pencils, markers, paper clips, sticky notes, and other desk accessories. Custom pen holders and divider configurations.
Kitchen Organization
Spice jars, utensil holders, pantry organization, and drawer dividers. Food-safe PLA options available.
Craft Room
Beads, sequins, threads, needles, small tools, and art supplies. Custom dividers for specific craft needs.
Bathroom Organization
Makeup, toiletries, first aid supplies, and medicine cabinet organization. Water-resistant filament options.
Gridfinity Application Distribution
Advanced Gridfinity Features
Customization Options
Beyond standard bins, Gridfinity offers extensive customization through specialized components and modifications.
Internal Dividers
Customizable dividers that snap into bins to create compartments for different items. Available in various configurations:
- Equal divisions (2, 3, 4, 6 sections)
- Custom width divisions
- Removable/adjustable dividers
- Angle dividers for specific items
Lids and Covers
Various lid options for different use cases and protection levels:
- Snap-fit lids for secure closure
- Hinged lids for frequently accessed items
- Clear lids for visibility
- Stacking lids for vertical organization
Compatibility and Integration
Gridfinity’s standardized design enables compatibility with various systems and customization options.
Magnet Integration
Standard 6×3mm magnets fit perfectly in base plates for secure mounting on metal surfaces.
Screw Mounting
Pre-designed holes for #6 screws allow permanent mounting to walls, benches, or inside cabinets.
Stacking System
Interlocking features allow secure vertical stacking of bins for optimized space utilization.
Labeling System
Integrated label holders and standardized label sizes for easy identification of contents.
Optimization Strategies and Best Practices
Maximizing the effectiveness of your Gridfinity system requires thoughtful planning and implementation strategies.
Space Utilization
- Mix bin sizes to maximize grid coverage
- Consider vertical space with taller bins for less-frequently used items
- Use custom-sized bins for irregular spaces
- Plan for future expansion with partially filled base plates
Printing Efficiency
- Print multiple small bins simultaneously to save time
- Use optimized print settings for strength vs. speed balance
- Consider printing in batches by color or type
- Use adaptive layer height for faster printing of tall objects
Organization Principles
- Group related items in adjacent bins
- Place frequently used items in easily accessible locations
- Use consistent labeling system across all bins
- Implement a logical grouping system (by project, by type, by frequency of use)
Material Selection
- PLA for general purpose indoor use
- PETG for increased durability and temperature resistance
- ASA or ABS for outdoor or high-temperature applications
- TPU for flexible or impact-resistant components
Pro Tip: Start Small
Begin with a single drawer or small area to test your organization system before committing to a large-scale implementation. This allows you to refine your approach and bin selection before expanding.
Community Resources and Extensions
The Gridfinity ecosystem is supported by a vibrant community that continuously develops new designs, improvements, and specialized components.
Popular Gridfinity Resources
Official Resources
- Original Gridfinity GitHub repository
- Zack Freedman’s YouTube channel and tutorials
- Official specification documentation
- Base OpenSCAD and Fusion 360 files
Community Platforms
- Thingiverse and Printables collections
- Reddit communities (r/gridfinity, r/3Dprinting)
- Discord servers dedicated to Gridfinity
- YouTube maker communities
Gridfinity Community Growth
Comparison with Alternative Organization Systems
Gridfinity occupies a unique position in the organization system landscape, with distinct advantages and considerations compared to other approaches.
| System | Cost | Customization | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gridfinity | Low (if you own a 3D printer) | Extremely High | Good (depends on material) | Makers, workshops, customized solutions |
| Commercial Bin Systems | Medium to High | Limited | Excellent | Commercial settings, heavy use |
| DIY Wooden Organizers | Low to Medium | High | Excellent | Permanent installations, traditional workshops |
| Stackable Plastic Bins | Low | Very Limited | Good | General storage, budget solutions |
Conclusion
Gridfinity represents a paradigm shift in organization systems, combining the flexibility of custom 3D printing with the standardization needed for widespread adoption. Its modular approach allows for infinite customization while maintaining compatibility across a growing ecosystem of designs and components.
The system’s success lies in its elegant simplicity – a standardized grid that can accommodate an endless variety of bins, holders, and organizers. This approach empowers users to create precisely the organization solution they need, rather than adapting their needs to commercially available options.
As 3D printing continues to become more accessible and the Gridfinity community expands, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and refinements of the system. Whether you’re organizing a workshop, office, kitchen, or any other space, Gridfinity offers a powerful, customizable, and cost-effective solution that grows and adapts with your needs.
Gridfinity Formulas and Calculations
Key Mathematical Formulas
Dimensional Calculations
Bin External Dimensions
Width = (X × 42mm)
Depth = (Y × 42mm)
Height = (Z × 7.6mm)
Bin Internal Dimensions
Width = (X × 42mm) – 4mm
Depth = (Y × 42mm) – 4mm
Height = (Z × 7.6mm) – 2mm
Volume and Capacity
Theoretical Volume
V = (X × 42mm) × (Y × 42mm) × (Z × 7.6mm)
Usable Volume (Approximate)
V_usable ≈ [(X × 42mm) – 4mm] × [(Y × 42mm) – 4mm] × [(Z × 7.6mm) – 2mm]
Planning and Optimization
Base Plate Capacity
Total Units = Grid_Width × Grid_Depth
Utilization % = (Sum of all bin units) / Total Units × 100
Frequently Asked Questions About Gridfinity
Gridfinity is designed to be accessible to most common 3D printers:
- Minimum Requirements: 120mm × 120mm build plate, heated bed recommended
- Ideal Specifications: 200mm × 200mm or larger build plate, direct drive extruder for flexible filaments
- Popular Models: Creality Ender 3, Prusa i3 MK3, Bambu Lab P1P, Anycubic Vyper
- Critical Capability: Consistent dimensional accuracy is more important than large build volume
Even small printers can produce Gridfinity components by printing multiple small bins or printing larger base plates in sections that connect together.
The cost of implementing Gridfinity varies based on scale and materials:
- Filament Cost: Approximately $0.15-$3.00 per bin depending on size
- Magnet Cost: About $0.10-$0.20 per 6×3mm magnet if purchased in bulk
- Typical Small Setup: $10-$20 for a drawer or small area
- Large Workshop: $50-$150 for comprehensive organization
- Compared to Commercial: Typically 50-80% cheaper than equivalent commercial systems
The largest cost is often time rather than materials, especially if printing many components on a single printer.
While Gridfinity is designed around 3D printing, there are alternative approaches:
- Commercial Services: Use 3D printing services like Craftcloud or local makerspaces
- Community Support: Find someone in local maker communities to print components
- Partial Implementation: Use printed base plates with commercial bins that happen to fit
- Alternative Materials: Adapt the design for laser cutting or CNC machining
However, the full benefits of customization and cost-effectiveness are best realized with direct access to 3D printing capabilities.
Gridfinity component strength depends on several factors:
- Material Selection: PLA is sufficient for most applications, PETG or ABS for heavy use
- Print Settings: Higher infill (20-30%) and more perimeters (3-4) increase strength
- Design Considerations: Thicker walls and reinforced corners on larger bins
- Typical Load Capacity: 1-2kg for small bins, 3-5kg for larger bins with proper design
- Longevity: Properly printed components can last for years in typical use
For heavy tools or industrial applications, consider commercial bins or reinforced custom designs.
Starting with Gridfinity is straightforward with this approach:
- Identify a Small Area: Start with a single drawer, shelf, or small workspace
- Measure Your Space: Calculate how many grid units will fit in your available area
- Select Initial Components: Choose 2-3 bin sizes that match your most common items
- Print a Test Set: Print one of each selected bin size to verify fit and functionality
- Print Base Plates: Create base plates sized for your space
- Expand Gradually: Add more bins and components as you refine your system
This incremental approach allows you to learn and adjust before committing to a large-scale implementation.
While highly versatile, Gridfinity does have some limitations:
- Size Constraints: The 42mm grid may not be ideal for very large or very small items
- Time Investment: Significant printing time required for large implementations
- Material Limitations: 3D printed plastic may not suit all environments or applications
- Standardization Trade-offs: The fixed grid size limits some layout possibilities
- Weight Limitations: Not suitable for very heavy items without reinforcement
For most common organization needs, these limitations are minor compared to the benefits of customization and cost-effectiveness.
Gridfinity differs from other systems in several key ways:
- Standardization: Unlike one-off designs, Gridfinity components are always compatible
- Community Support: Large community constantly developing new compatible designs
- Comprehensive Ecosystem: Includes base plates, bins, dividers, and specialty holders
- Optimized Design: Specifically engineered for 3D printing with minimal supports
- Proven Track Record: Widely adopted and tested across diverse applications
While other systems exist, Gridfinity’s combination of standardization, customization, and community support makes it uniquely powerful.