Cost Per Load Calculator
Estimate the cost of laundry supplies per single load to understand where your money is going and compare products effectively. This tool calculates the cost based on the price of a supply item (like detergent, fabric softener, or dryer sheets) and the number of loads it is designed to last.
Enter the cost of the supply item and how many loads the manufacturer says it will last (or how many loads you typically get from it).
Calculate Your Cost Per Load
Understanding Cost Per Load
Why Calculate Cost Per Load?
Calculating the cost per load for your laundry supplies helps you make informed decisions. A larger, more expensive bottle of detergent might actually be cheaper per load than a smaller, cheaper one if it contains enough for significantly more loads. It allows you to:
- Compare different brands or sizes accurately.
- Budget for laundry expenses.
- Identify potential savings.
- Determine if using concentrated products is more cost-effective.
The Simple Formula
The cost per load is calculated using a very straightforward formula:
Cost Per Load = Total Cost of Supply Item / Number of Loads the Item Lasts
For example, if a bottle of detergent costs $10.00 and is rated for 50 loads, the cost per load for that detergent is $10.00 / 50 = $0.20.
Note: This calculator focuses on a *single* supply item. Your total cost per load for doing laundry might include detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, water, energy, and wear and tear on the machine and clothes. This tool isolates the cost of one consumable supply.
Cost Per Load Examples
Click on an example to see the calculation:
Example 1: Standard Detergent
Scenario: You buy a bottle of liquid detergent.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item = $12.99, Number of Loads = 64.
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $12.99 / 64
4. Result: Cost Per Load ≈ $0.203 per load.
Conclusion: This detergent costs about 20 cents per load.
Example 2: Laundry Pods
Scenario: You buy a tub of laundry pods.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item = $19.49, Number of Loads = 81 (pods).
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $19.49 / 81
4. Result: Cost Per Load ≈ $0.241 per load.
Conclusion: Each pod adds about 24 cents to the cost of a load.
Example 3: Fabric Softener
Scenario: You buy a bottle of liquid fabric softener.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item = $5.50, Number of Loads = 40.
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $5.50 / 40
4. Result: Cost Per Load = $0.1375 per load.
Conclusion: Adding this fabric softener costs less than 14 cents per load.
Example 4: Dryer Sheets
Scenario: You buy a box of dryer sheets.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item = $4.80, Number of Loads = 100.
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $4.80 / 100
4. Result: Cost Per Load = $0.048 per load.
Conclusion: Dryer sheets are often one of the least expensive supply items per load.
Example 5: Scent Boosters
Scenario: You add scent booster beads to your wash.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item (container) = $7.00, Number of Loads = 14 (based on recommended usage).
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $7.00 / 14
4. Result: Cost Per Load = $0.50 per load.
Conclusion: Scent boosters can add a significant cost per load compared to detergent or softener.
Example 6: Concentrated Detergent
Scenario: You buy a smaller bottle of highly concentrated liquid detergent.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item = $9.50, Number of Loads = 50.
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $9.50 / 50
4. Result: Cost Per Load = $0.19 per load.
Conclusion: Despite being smaller, this concentrated bottle offers a competitive cost per load.
Example 7: Large Value-Size Detergent
Scenario: You buy a large jug of detergent from a warehouse club.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item = $25.00, Number of Loads = 150.
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $25.00 / 150
4. Result: Cost Per Load ≈ $0.167 per load.
Conclusion: Buying in bulk often results in a lower cost per load.
Example 8: Delicates Wash
Scenario: Using a special, smaller bottle of detergent for delicates.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item = $8.00, Number of Loads = 16.
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $8.00 / 16
4. Result: Cost Per Load = $0.50 per load.
Conclusion: Specialty products can have a higher cost per load.
Example 9: Estimating Loads from Usage
Scenario: A bottle doesn't list loads, but you know it lasts you about 3 months and you do 4 loads per week.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item = $10.00. Estimated Number of Loads = (4 loads/week) * (13 weeks/3 months) = 52 loads.
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $10.00 / 52
4. Result: Cost Per Load ≈ $0.192 per load.
Conclusion: You can estimate loads based on how long a product lasts you.
Example 10: Value Pack Dryer Sheets
Scenario: Buying a multi-pack of dryer sheets.
1. Known Values: Cost of Supply Item (for 2 boxes) = $9.00, Number of Loads (2 boxes * 100 loads/box) = 200 loads.
2. Formula: Cost Per Load = Total Cost / Number of Loads
3. Calculation: Cost Per Load = $9.00 / 200
4. Result: Cost Per Load = $0.045 per load.
Conclusion: Buying multi-packs can offer a slightly better cost per load than single boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost Per Load
1. Why is calculating cost per load useful?
It helps you compare the real cost of different laundry products (detergent, softener, etc.) on a per-use basis, allowing you to find the most economical options.
2. How do I find the "Number of Loads Item Lasts"?
Many products list the number of loads on the packaging. If not, you can estimate by tracking how many loads you do before the item runs out.
3. What if the number of loads is given for different machine types (HE vs. Standard)?
Use the number of loads appropriate for your specific washing machine type (HE or Standard) as recommended on the product packaging.
4. Does a higher price always mean a higher cost per load?
Not necessarily. A more expensive item that lasts for significantly more loads can have a lower cost per load than a cheaper item that doesn't last as long.
5. Does this calculator include the cost of water or electricity?
No, this calculator only considers the cost of a single consumable supply item (like detergent or fabric softener). The total cost of doing a load of laundry would also include water, energy, and appliance wear.
6. Can I use this for other household supplies?
Yes, the same principle and formula can be applied to any consumable item where usage can be measured in "loads" or "uses" (e.g., dishwasher detergent tabs per load, coffee pods per cup, paper towels per roll/sheet if you track usage).
7. What is the recommended amount of detergent to use?
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product packaging for the recommended dosage based on load size and soil level. Using too much can waste money and leave residue; using too little might not clean effectively.
8. What if I use less or more than the recommended amount?
The "Number of Loads Item Lasts" on the package is based on the recommended usage. If you consistently use less, you'll get more loads (lower cost per load). If you use more, you'll get fewer loads (higher cost per load). For accuracy, estimate based on *your actual* usage.
9. How does buying in bulk affect cost per load?
Buying larger sizes or multi-packs often reduces the cost per unit (ounce, pod, sheet), which typically results in a lower cost per load, assuming you use the entire product.
10. Is a lower cost per load always the best choice?
Not always. While cost is important, you also need to consider the product's effectiveness, suitability for your laundry needs (e.g., sensitive skin, type of fabric), and personal preference (scent, brand loyalty).
