Appliance Cost Per Use
Calculator
Results
- Cost per use
- 0.616666
- Ownership cost per use
- 0.266666
- Net purchase cost
- 400
- Total lifetime cost
- 925
Household and budget results
| Cost per use | 0.616666 |
| Ownership cost per use | 0.266666 |
| Net purchase cost | 400 |
| Total lifetime cost | 925 |
formula-map diagram
- Cost per use
- 0.616666
- Ownership cost per use
- 0.266666
- Net purchase cost
- 400
- Total lifetime cost
- 925
Cost breakdown
Formula
cost per use = (purchase price − resale value) ÷ uses + running cost per use= 0.61666666666667
Note
This is a simplified model. It applies the stated arithmetic to the figures you enter and ignores inflation, taxes, seasonal variation, interest and any local rules. Use it as a rough guide, not as financial advice.
More in Household and budget
See all →Frequently asked questions
What does "cost per use" actually measure?+
It divides an appliance's electricity consumption for one cycle (in kWh) by your electricity rate, then adds any per-use consumables, to give you the true cost of running it once. This lets you compare, for example, a dishwasher cycle against hand-washing.
Where do I find my appliance's power draw?+
Check the energy label or nameplate on the appliance for its wattage or kWh rating, or look up the model's spec sheet online. Some appliances list consumption per cycle directly, which is more accurate than wattage times run time since power draw varies during a cycle.
Does this include standby power?+
No, the calculator only accounts for the active running cost of a cycle, not the small standby draw when the appliance is idle. Standby power is usually negligible per use but can add up over a year for appliances left plugged in constantly.
Why does my calculated cost seem lower than what I expected?+
Electricity is often cheaper than people assume per individual use; a load of laundry or a dishwasher cycle typically costs well under a dollar in electricity alone. The bigger costs are usually water, detergent, or the appliance's amortized purchase price, which this calculator treats separately.
How can I use this to decide whether to replace an old appliance?+
Compare the cost per use of your current appliance against the rated consumption of a new, more efficient model at the same electricity rate. If the difference multiplied by your annual number of uses exceeds the price gap between the two appliances within a few years, replacing it pays off.