Nozzle Diameter vs. Line Width Chart
What line width range and max layer height to expect from each common nozzle size.
| Nozzle | Line width range | Typical default | Max layer height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2mm | 0.20–0.28mm | 0.22mm | ~0.16mm |
| 0.4mm | 0.40–0.56mm | 0.42–0.45mm | ~0.32mm |
| 0.6mm | 0.60–0.84mm | 0.65mm | ~0.48mm |
| 0.8mm | 0.80–1.12mm | 0.85mm | ~0.64mm |
| 1.0mm | 1.00–1.40mm | 1.05mm | ~0.80mm |
Line width isn't fixed to nozzle diameter
A 0.4mm nozzle isn't limited to printing exactly 0.4mm lines — it can extrude anywhere in roughly that 100–140% range depending on how far the nozzle is held off the previous layer as it extrudes, which is exactly what the line width setting controls. Wider lines print faster (fewer passes to fill the same area) and can be slightly stronger due to better layer-to-layer bonding, at some cost to fine detail; the "typical default" column is a reasonable general-purpose starting point.
Why max layer height tracks nozzle size
The 80%-of-nozzle-diameter rule of thumb exists because the nozzle's flat tip needs to actually press each layer down onto the one below it — too tall a layer for the nozzle size and there isn't enough tip contact to properly bond and smooth the layer, leading to poor adhesion between layers or visible gaps. This is also why swapping to a larger nozzle is a common way to trade fine detail for print speed on big, simple parts, since it raises this ceiling directly.