Dishwasher Running Cost Calculator

Work out dishwasher running cost instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Dishwasher Running Cost Calculator

A modern dishwasher uses 10-12 litres per cycle against 30-50 litres for hand washing the same load, and heats that water more efficiently. On an eco cycle it is usually cheaper than washing by hand as well as considerably faster.

Formula

Dishwasher cost

annual = cycles x 52 x (kWh x tariff + litres/1000 x water and sewerage rate)

Worked example

With the default values below, Dishwasher Running Cost Calculator returns Annual running cost of $105.46. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Cycles per week: 6 cycles
Energy per cycle: 1.05 kWh
Water per cycle: 11 L
Electricity rate: 0.28

Results

Annual running cost: $105.46
Annual electricity: 327.60 kWh
Cost per cycle: $0.338
Saving versus hand washing: $40.56

Step by step

1Values used
2Dishwasher cost
3Annual running cost= 105.46
4Annual electricity= 327.60 kWh
5Cost per cycle= 0.338
6Saving versus hand washing= 40.56

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the eco cycle really cheaper?

Yes, substantially. It uses less water and heats it less, taking longer to compensate. It typically halves the energy of an intensive cycle.

Should I rinse plates first?

Scrape but do not rinse. Rinsing under a hot tap can use more water than the whole cycle, and modern detergents need some soil to work against.