ApplianceCalc

Energy

Washing Machine Cost Calculator

Estimate washing machine electricity and water cost per load, month and year using your cycle consumption.

Energy and water cost calculation
1

Your appliance details

Units

No sign-up. Your inputs stay in your browser.

2

Your results

Utility cost per cycle$0.18
Electricity component$0.08
Water component$0.10
Monthly cost$3.90
Annual cost$46.80

What this means

This covers electricity and water for the selected cycle; add detergent and any separate sewer charge for a fuller budget.

Show calculation
  1. Electricity = 0.5 kWh × $0.16/kWh
  2. Water = 50 L ÷ 1,000 × $2.00 per m³
  3. Annual cost = $0.18 × 5 cycles/week × 52; monthly = annual ÷ 12.

Important notes

Use per-cycle electricity that includes the heating energy you intend to count. External hot-water supply energy may be excluded by the appliance label.

Rates are displayed in USD; fixed utility charges and detergent are excluded.

Calculation basis: Energy and water cost calculation

Washing costs vary by program, temperature and load. Enter electricity and water per cycle to calculate the utility cost of your actual laundry routine. The estimate includes only the energy in the kWh value you supply; externally heated inlet water may require a separate calculation.

How to use

  1. Enter electricity and water consumption for your usual wash program.
  2. Enter your electricity and volumetric water tariffs in the displayed units.
  3. Set weekly loads and review per-load cost before comparing programs or appliances.

How the calculation works

Formula

Cost per load = kWh per load × electricity rate + water per load × matching water rate. Annual estimate = per-load cost × loads/week × 52.

Example

A wash using 0.5 kWh and 50 liters costs $0.10 for electricity at $0.20/kWh plus $0.15 for water at $3/m³, or $0.25 per load before detergent.

Factors affecting the result

  • Hot-water supply energy may or may not be included in a stated cycle kWh.
  • Small loads may not reduce water and energy in proportion to laundry weight.
  • Higher spin speeds can affect the separate energy needed for tumble drying.

Frequently asked questions

Does this include drying?

No. Use the dryer calculator for a separate drying cycle. For a washer-dryer combination, use measured consumption for the complete chosen program if that is what you want to budget.

Which water rate should I enter?

Use the variable volume-based charge from your bill. Include a volume-based sewer charge if applicable, but leave fixed account fees out of a per-load comparison.

Sources & methodology

Calculation basis: Energy and water cost calculation. Methodology

Last updated: September 15, 2026