Washing Machine Cost Calculator: Cost Per Wash Cycle
Shows why water temperature, not the motor, drives the cost. Adjust the wattage, runtime and your own electricity rate below — every figure updates instantly in your browser, and nothing you type is sent anywhere.
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How this cost is calculated
The formula is kWh = watts ÷ 1000 × hours, then cost = kWh × your rate per kWh. Standing charges and tiered or time-of-use pricing are billed separately by your supplier, so treat these numbers as the marginal cost of running this appliance rather than a full bill.
For the full breakdown with regional price tables, read the detailed guide, or estimate your whole household on the home electricity bill calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a washing machine use per cycle?
About 0.2-0.4 kWh on a cold cycle and 2-3 kWh on a hot cycle with internal water heating.
Does eco mode really save money?
Yes. Eco cycles wash longer at lower temperatures, typically using 30-40% less electricity than a normal 40°C programme.
Is it cheaper to run full loads?
Per item, yes: a half load uses nearly as much energy as a full one, so full loads roughly halve the cost per garment.