Dryer Electricity Cost Calculator: Cost per Load
Use energy per load to compare laundry routines and different dryer technologies.
Your usage
Example inputsResults update as you type. All costs are in U.S. dollars. See result ↓
For your own rate, add per-kWh supply and delivery charges; leave out fixed fees. Find it on your bill →
Example result — edit inputs to match your use
Estimated electricity cost60 kWh per month at 18.31¢/kWh
3 kWh × 20 loads × $0.1831 = $10.99Daily = monthly ÷ 30. Annual = monthly × 12. Rates are held constant. Actual use may vary.
↑ Edit inputsStart with kWh per cycle
Use measured cycle energy or a manufacturer’s test figure for your chosen program. Nameplate watts describe electrical power, not the energy of a complete drying cycle. Heat settings, moisture sensors, load size, and spin speed all affect use. The initial 3 kWh per load is an editable illustration, not an average for all dryers.
Compare an equivalent load
A heat-pump dryer and a conventional electric dryer may take different amounts of time. Comparing cycle kWh at a similar load size is more useful than comparing watts alone. Enter your actual monthly number of loads. Costs shown here cover electricity only: gas used by a gas dryer is excluded.
Why can the same dryer cost more on one load?
A wetter or heavier load may need more energy before the moisture sensor ends the cycle. Measure several representative loads to avoid basing an annual estimate on one unusual cycle.
Make the estimate yours
Replace the example values with measurements or the product label. Select your state for an official average, then override it with your bill’s variable rate when available.
Read the calculations and assumptionsClothes dryer cost at different electricity rates
This static worked example uses 3 kWh per cycle × 20 cycles/month. These chosen rates show price sensitivity; they are not utility offers. The interactive result above uses your edited inputs.
| Electricity price | Monthly cost | Annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 12¢/kWh | $7.20 | $86.40 |
| 20¢/kWh | $12.00 | $144.00 |
| 30¢/kWh | $18.00 | $216.00 |
*Annual cost repeats this monthly pattern 12 times. Use your actual season length for seasonal equipment. Values are rounded only for display.
Practical energy guides
Watts to kWh: Calculate Energy Use and Electricity Cost
Convert watts, kilowatts, and minutes into kWh with worked examples. Learn why a wattage alone cannot tell you monthly electricity use.
Understand your billHow to Find Your Electricity Rate on Your Bill
Find the right cents-per-kWh rate for an appliance calculator. Separate supply, delivery, fixed fees, and time-of-use charges with a worked bill example.