Dishwasher Running Cost Calculator
Estimate dishwasher electricity and water cost per cycle, month, and year.
Estimate dishwasher cost per cycle
How this calculator works
Dishwashers use electricity for pumping, controls, drying, and sometimes boosting water temperature. They also use metered water that may carry both water-supply and sewer charges.
Detergent, maintenance, and household water-heater energy are not included unless they are already reflected in the dishwasher’s tested cycle-energy figure.
A 1.2 kWh cycle using 3.5 gallons at $0.18/kWh and $12 per 1,000 gallons costs about $0.26 in electricity and water.
How to get a more accurate estimate
- Use the Energy Saver or Normal cycle data for routine loads.
- Combine water and sewer variable charges when both rise with consumption.
- Run full loads and compare heated-dry with air-dry settings.
Frequently asked questions
Does a dishwasher use less water than hand washing?
An efficient full dishwasher can use relatively little water, but the comparison depends on hand-washing flow rate and duration.
Is heated drying included?
It is included when the entered kWh represents a full cycle with that option enabled.
Where can I find gallons per cycle?
Check the EnergyGuide label, manufacturer specification sheet, or product certification listing.
Results use the values you enter and the formula shown above. Real bills can include taxes, minimum charges, tiers, time-of-use pricing, cycling losses, and other adjustments. Use a recent bill or a plug-in energy meter when accuracy matters.