Dishwasher Running Cost Calculator
Most of a dishwasher’s energy goes into heating water. Enter the energy per cycle and how often you run it to see the real cost.
Quick answerAt 1.0 kWh per cycle, five cycles per week and $0.17/kWh, the electricity costs $0.17 per cycle, $3.68 per month and $44.20 per year. Water, detergent and any separate water-heating fuel are not included.
Change any number below — your result updates instantly, no button to click.
Your details
Results
Measure or improve the real-world result
These tools are relevant to the numbers above; you do not need them to use the calculator.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
How it works
Electricity per year = kWh per cycle × cycles per week × 52. Cost per cycle = kWh per cycle × electricity rate. Yearly cost = annual kWh × rate; monthly cost is yearly cost ÷ 12. This is electricity only.
Dishwasher electricity-cost examples
Every example uses $0.17/kWh. Cycle energy is an input scenario, not a claim about a particular model or program.
| Energy per cycle | Cycles per week | Annual electricity | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7 kWh | 3 | 109.2 kWh | $18.56 |
| 0.8 kWh | 5 | 208.0 kWh | $35.36 |
| 1.0 kWh | 5 | 260.0 kWh | $44.20 |
| 1.2 kWh | 5 | 312.0 kWh | $53.04 |
| 1.4 kWh | 5 | 364.0 kWh | $61.88 |
| 1.4 kWh | 7 | 509.6 kWh | $86.63 |
Water and detergent are excluded. Energy labels use standardized test assumptions, so your cycle choice, loading and local rate can produce a different bill.
Worked example: five cycles per week
At 1.0 kWh per cycle and five cycles each week, yearly electricity is 1.0 × 5 × 52 = 260 kWh. At $0.17/kWh, that is $44.20 per year or $3.68 per month. Each cycle costs $0.17 in electricity.
The result excludes water, detergent and any separate fuel used by the home’s water-heating system. Add those separately when comparing total household costs.
Choose the right energy input
Use a cycle figure from the appliance label, manufacturer documentation or a representative energy measurement. Where a label reports kWh per 100 cycles, divide by 100 before entering it.
In the United States, EnergyGuide labels show estimated yearly electricity use and cost under a standardized test. That annual value is useful for comparing models, but dividing it by your own cycle count is only approximate because the test calculation can include standby energy and a specified annual cycle count.
Full loads reduce energy per item
ENERGY STAR says dishwashers use about the same amount of energy and water regardless of the number of dishes inside, so running full loads generally reduces energy and water per dish. Scrape dishes instead of routinely pre-rinsing under running water unless the appliance instructions require otherwise.
Do not overload racks or block spray arms. A failed wash that must be repeated can erase the intended saving.
Compare models with annual label data
Current ENERGY STAR criteria for standard-size U.S. dishwashers limit qualified models to 240 kWh/year and 3.2 gallons per cycle under the referenced test method. That is a qualification ceiling, not a promise for every household.
Use the EnergyGuide or local-country label to compare specific models under the same test basis, then use this calculator with your actual rate and schedule for a household estimate.
Sources used for assumptions: ENERGY STAR — dishwasher use guidance and full-load advice; ENERGY STAR — current dishwasher energy and water criteria; U.S. Federal Trade Commission — EnergyGuide labeling rule and annual-use disclosures.
Frequently asked questions
How much does one dishwasher cycle cost?
Multiply cycle kWh by your electricity rate. At 1.0 kWh and $0.17/kWh, one cycle costs $0.17 in electricity.
Where do I find energy per cycle?
Check the energy label or model documentation. Divide kWh per 100 cycles by 100. If you only have an annual EnergyGuide figure, use it for model comparison or divide cautiously because standardized annual use can include standby.
Does a longer eco cycle necessarily use more electricity?
No. Time alone does not determine energy. A longer program can use less energy by heating less water or using a lower temperature; use the model’s program data when available.
Should I wait for a full load?
ENERGY STAR says dishwashers use about the same energy and water regardless of the number of dishes, so full loads generally reduce use per item when racks and spray arms are not overloaded.
Does this include water and detergent?
No. It calculates dishwasher electricity only. Add metered water, water-heating fuel and detergent separately when you need total cost per cycle.
Can I use the EnergyGuide yearly kWh directly?
The calculator expects kWh per cycle. You can estimate a cycle value from annual kWh and expected cycles, but standardized annual figures may include standby and a prescribed cycle count.
What does ENERGY STAR’s 240 kWh/year figure mean?
It is the current maximum annual energy use for a qualified standard-size U.S. dishwasher under the program’s test method, not a guarantee of household consumption.
Related calculators
Washing Machine Running Cost Calculator
Enter the electricity used by the selected wash program and how often you run it. The resu…
AppliancesAppliance Running Cost Calculator
Convert representative operating watts and equivalent run time into energy and cost. For c…
BillsElectricity Bill Calculator & High-Bill Checker
Your bill is more than energy used — it also includes fixed charges, tax and levies. Estim…