Washing Machine Electricity Cost per Load Calculator
Calculate electricity for your wash program and keep drying costs separate.
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 cost10 kWh per month at 18.31¢/kWh
0.5 kWh × 20 loads × $0.1831 = $1.83Daily = monthly ÷ 30. Annual = monthly × 12. Rates are held constant. Actual use may vary.
↑ Edit inputsChoose the boundary of your measurement
An illustrative 0.5 kWh wash at 20¢/kWh costs $0.10. Twenty such loads cost $2.00. These are arithmetic examples, not a typical washer rating. State whether your cycle reading includes an internal water heater; energy from a separate household water heater may need its own estimate.
Include the laundry steps you actually use
Washer electricity, hot-water supply, and a clothes dryer are different parts of the laundry budget. Add separately measured amounts only when they do not overlap. A combined washer-dryer program needs a combined cycle reading if you want the entire wash-and-dry cost.
Reference: Virginia Cooperative Extension: estimating appliance energy use
Does a longer eco program always cost more?
Elapsed time alone cannot tell you the energy cost. A lower average power over a longer cycle can use less kWh. Compare complete-cycle readings for equivalent loads.
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 assumptionsWashing machine cost at different electricity rates
This static worked example uses 0.5 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 | $1.20 | $14.40 |
| 20¢/kWh | $2.00 | $24.00 |
| 30¢/kWh | $3.00 | $36.00 |
*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.