1.0 kWh, 4 gal, $0.15/kWh, $0.005/gal
- Electricity = $0.15
- Water = $0.02
- Total ≈ $0.17
energy calculator
Dishwasher Cost per Load Calculator
Estimate cost per dishwasher load from energy use, electricity rate, water use, and water rate.
Results
- Electricity cost per load
- $0
- Water cost per load
- $0
- Total cost per load
- $0
How to use this calculator
- Enter energy per load (kWh) from your dishwasher specs or EnergyGuide.
- Enter your electricity rate and water rate.
- Enter water use per load (many modern units are 3–5 gallons).
- Review electricity, water, and total cost per load.
Inputs explained
- Energy per load
- Typical modern dishwashers use ~0.8–1.2 kWh per cycle.
- Water per load
- HE dishwashers often use 3–5 gallons; older units can be higher.
How it works
Electricity cost = kWh per load × electricity rate.
Water cost = gallons per load × water rate.
Total cost = electricity + water.
Formula
Electricity = kWh × Rate Water = Gallons × Rate Total = Electricity + Water
When to use it
- Comparing dishwasher models or eco modes.
- Estimating monthly cost for frequent use.
- Showing savings vs hand washing with higher water use.
Tips & cautions
- Use eco cycles to reduce energy and water use further.
- Run full loads to spread fixed energy/water over more dishes.
- Check your bill for accurate electricity and water rates.
- Does not include detergent cost.
- Assumes flat rates (no TOU/seasonal pricing).
- Cycle types vary; use your model’s data for best accuracy.
Worked examples
0.8 kWh eco, 3 gal
- Electricity ≈ $0.12
- Water ≈ $0.02
- Total ≈ $0.14
Deep dive
Calculate dishwasher cost per load by entering kWh, water use, and utility rates.
Use it to compare models or eco modes and estimate monthly cost for your usage.
FAQs
- How do I find my dishwasher’s kWh per load?
- Check the EnergyGuide label or the manual. Many list annual kWh based on 215 cycles—divide to get per load.
- Does hand washing cost more?
- Depends on water use and hot water energy. Efficient dishwashers often beat typical hand-washing water use.
- What about hot water heater energy?
- Included implicitly via kWh per load; if your unit uses external hot water, the energy is still reflected in kWh per load estimates.
- Can I include detergent?
- Not included. Add separately if you want total per-load cost.
- Does TOU matter?
- Not modeled. Use your average rate or run multiple scenarios for different time-of-use rates.
Related calculators
Approximate cost only. Actual usage varies by model, cycle, and load size. Use your appliance specs and utility rates for accuracy.