3D animation costs

Quick price estimate for 3D animation

See the market indications below as a starting point. The final price is customized and depends on complexity, style, and turnaround time. For a current market update, see what an animated film will cost in 2025.

Base

• Estimated cost: $3,000 - $6,000
• Description: Simple models or existing assets, limited animation, basic materials, and lighting
• Typical use: Short product spin, simple feature highlight, social snippets

Professional

• Estimated value: €6,000 - €12,000
• Description: Custom modeling, realistic materials, camera animations, multiple shots and edits
• Typical use: Product explanation, technical visualization, combination with titles and icons

High-end

• Indication: $12,000 - $25,000+
• Description: Photorealism, complex scenes, simulations or rigging, extensive finishing and sound
• Typical use: Commercial brand film, trade show film, high-detail product or process demonstration

What factors determine the cost of 3D animation?

• Modeling and assets - Do we need to build everything from scratch, or can you provide CAD/3D files that we can optimize?
• Detail and photorealism - Materials, textures, lighting, and shadows take extra time to achieve high quality.
• Number of shots and scenes - More camera angles, transitions, and compositions increase the number of production days.
• Animation type - Simple camera moves are cheaper than character animation, rigging, or physical simulations.
• Combination with live action - Tracking and compositing add extra steps.
• Story and art direction - Script, storyboard, and style frames determine the creation time and revision rounds.
• Audio and voice-over - Voice, music, sfx, and mixing can be included or added as an option.
• Rights and licenses - Stock, fonts, music, and any additional usage rights may add up.
• Resolution and exports - 4K and multiple delivery variants require additional rendering and finishing time.
• Planning and speed - Fast turnaround times often require more capacity and therefore a larger budget.

What does a 3D animation project usually involve?

A professional process usually includes these components. Depending on your wishes, this can be expanded or simplified.

• Briefing and advice - Focus on the goal, target group, and use cases.
• Script and storyboard - Story and shots, including style frames for look and feel.
• 3D production - Modeling or optimizing assets, materials, lighting, and animation.
• Rendering and compositing - Rendering frames, color correction, and graphic finishing.
• Audio - Voice-over selection and recording, music and sound design if desired.
• Revisions - Usually 1 to 2 rounds of feedback per phase for targeted fine-tuning.
• Delivery - Exports in the right resolutions and formats for web, social media, or events.

Length vs. price: how relevant is cost per minute?

With 2D animation, a price per minute is sometimes used. This is less useful for 3D, because complexity weighs more heavily than length. A short but photorealistic product explainer with simulations can be more expensive than a longer, simple 3D video with little detail.

Therefore, only use costs per minute as a rough rule of thumb for comparable quality and style. In equivalent quality projects, you often see a range of around €4,000 - €8,000 per minute, but as soon as you change the style or complexity, the price shifts immediately. Would you like a practical example? Take a look at what 2 minutes of animation costs.

3D vs. 2D: cost difference and when to choose which one

3D animation is generally more expensive than 2D, because modeling, materials, lighting, and rendering require more specialized hours. Choose 3D when product details, internal workings, or realism are important. 2D works well for abstract processes, policies, or service flows and is often more budget-friendly.

Are you unsure whether to choose 2D or 3D? A hybrid approach can be a smart option: 2D for the framework and context, 3D for the product shot or crucial demonstration. This allows you to keep the costs of 3D animation manageable while maintaining impact.

Lead time and planning

For an average 3D animation, you can expect a turnaround time of 4 to 6 weeks from approval, depending on the scope and feedback speed. Basic projects can be completed faster, while high-end productions with photorealism, multiple scenes, or simulations can take 6 to 8 weeks. Faster delivery is often possible, provided that choices and feedback are tightly organized. Want to know more about the impact on planning? See How long does animation production take?

Cost-saving tips without compromising quality

• Provide existing 3D or CAD files - This saves modeling time.
• Focus on key moments - Limit the number of unique shots, reuse scenes wisely.
• Choose an appropriate level of realism —semi-realistic may be sufficient for explanatory purposes.
• Work with style frames - Early alignment prevents costly re-renders.
• Modular production - Build assets that can be reused later.
• Provide timely feedback - Clear, consolidated feedback saves production time.
• Plan your voice-over early - Good timing prevents additional animation adjustments.

Need to tighten your budget? Read Determining your animation budget (2025) for choices that will have the greatest impact.

Frequently asked questions about 3D animation costs

What does a 3D animation cost?

For 3D animation, there are roughly three price levels: €3,000 - €6,000 for simple product shots or short scenes, €6,000 - €12,000 for professional explanatory videos with custom models and multiple shots, and €12,000 - €25,000+ for photorealistic, complex productions. The exact price depends on modeling, level of detail, number of scenes, simulations, and audio.

How much does 30 seconds of animation cost?

For 30 seconds of 3D animation, the price often varies between €2,500 and €8,000, depending on style and complexity. A simple, stylized scene is more affordable than a photorealistic sequence with multiple cameras, simulations, or composite materials. The length is less important than the content per second.

How much does animation cost per minute?

As a rough guide, you will often see €4,000 - €8,000 per minute for 3D for comparable quality. Please note that this can vary greatly as soon as the complexity changes. In practice, 3D animation costs are determined by the hours spent on modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, and rendering, not exclusively by the playing time.

How much does a 3-minute animation cost?

For 3 minutes of 3D animation, the range varies widely: from around €12,000 for a simple style and reused shots to €30,000+ for high-end productions with many unique scenes or photorealism. Save money by working modularly and focusing the storyline on the most important shots.

What is usually included or not included in the price?

Usually included: intake, script, storyboard or style frames, 3D production, basic audio, and 1-2 rounds of revisions. Optional or variable: additional revisions, voice-over by a specific voice actor, music licenses, more complex simulations, 4K renders, additional versions per language, and extended usage rights. Agree on this in advance to avoid surprises.