Updated August 24, 2026
Washing Machine Running Cost Calculator
Free washing machine running cost calculator. Work out electricity cost per load, month, and year for different programs and wash temperatures.
Live calculator
Calculate your actual running cost
Running this washing machine for 1.5 hours a day, 5 days a week uses about 16.3 kWh each month.
Quick answer
How much does a washing machine cost to run?
A 500 W washing machine used for 1.5 hours a day, 5 days a week, consumes about 16.3 kWh per month. At £0.2611 per kWh (Ofgem GB illustration for Jul–Sep 2026), that is approximately £4.24 per month. Replace these example figures with the wattage and electricity rate from your appliance and bill.
What changes the real running cost?
Heating water is the energy-intensive part of most wash cycles. Cooler and eco programs can use less electricity even when they take longer.
Energy labels that state kWh per 100 cycles provide a better average: divide by 100 for the electricity used by one cycle.
Assumptions used in this example
This page starts with 500 watts, 1.5 hours of use per day, and 5 days per week. Those defaults are only a practical starting point. Replace them with the number on your product label, energy label, smart plug, or electricity bill.
Example washing machine costs
These examples use 500 W for 1.5 hours a day and 5 days per week.
| Electricity rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| £0.20 / kWh | £0.10 | £3.25 | £39.00 |
| £0.26 / kWh | £0.13 | £4.24 | £50.91 |
| £0.35 / kWh | £0.17 | £5.69 | £68.25 |
Ways to reduce the cost
Start with changes that reduce active runtime without compromising safety or the job the appliance needs to do.
- Wash full loads without overfilling.
- Use lower temperatures when suitable.
- Choose eco cycles for normally soiled laundry.
Estimate only. Actual consumption varies by model, setting, condition, temperature, duty cycle, and tariff. Use a plug-in meter or energy-label figure when accuracy matters.
FAQ
Washing machine running cost questions
How do I calculate washing machine running cost?
Divide the watts by 1,000 to get kilowatts, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh. This page pre-fills 500 W, 1.5 hours per day, and 5 days per week as a starting example.
How much does a washing machine cost per hour?
At 500 W and £0.2611 per kWh (an Ofgem GB cap illustration), the example cost is about £0.13 per hour while it is actively using that power. Change the rate field to match your own bill.
Why might my real washing machine cost be different?
Energy labels that state kWh per 100 cycles provide a better average: divide by 100 for the electricity used by one cycle.
Should I use rated watts or measured watts?
Rated watts are useful for a quick estimate, but measured wall power or an energy-label kWh figure is usually more accurate because many appliances cycle on and off or change power during use.
Does the calculator include standing charges, taxes, or demand charges?
No. The calculator estimates usage cost from kWh only. If your bill includes standing charges, taxes, delivery fees, or demand charges, add those separately.
Can I share my result?
Yes. Use the share or copy button after entering your wattage, hours, days, rate, and currency. The page stores those inputs in the URL so you can revisit the same estimate.