Cost per use calculator
It helps compare a cheap item that wears out fast with a pricier one that lasts, such as shoes, gadgets or clothes.
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How to use it
- Enter purchase price, uses per week, expected years of use, resale value and upkeep per year.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Uses = uses per week × (365 ÷ 7) × years. Net cost = price - resale + yearly upkeep × years. Cost per use = net cost ÷ uses.
Example
Inputs: Purchase price = 600, Uses per week = 3, Expected years of use = 2 years, Resale value = 0, Upkeep per year = 0. Result: Cost per use: 1.92; Total uses: 313; Net cost: 600.00.
Limits and caveats
- Lifespan and uses are your estimates, so the result is only as good as they are.
- It ignores the time value of money and inflation.
Questions about this tool
When is the pricier item cheaper?
When its cost per use is lower, meaning it lasts longer or you use it more, enough to cover the price gap.
Why enter a resale value?
What you get back when selling lowers what you really paid, which matters for phones and gadgets.
Does it work for clothes?
Yes, this is the well-known cost per wear idea. Enter how often you wear it each week and how long it will last.