ELECTRICITY AND APPLIANCES

Clothes Dryer Cost Calculator

Estimate dryer energy cost by cycle length, wattage, and monthly usage.

Transparent formula User-controlled electricity rate Calculations stay in your browser
Look for a label on the inside of the door. Usually 2000W to 4000W.

Your estimate will appear here

Enter your inputs and click calculate to see the cost and energy breakdown.

Methodology

This calculator multiplies your dryer's wattage by the length of the cycle (in hours) to determine the kilowatt-hours (kWh) used per load. Note that if your dryer has a moisture sensor, the heating element may cycle on and off, meaning it uses less energy than its maximum rating.

CALCULATOR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about wattage, runtime, electricity rates, estimated costs, and the limitations of this calculator.

Review the calculator formula →

WHAT YOU WILL FIND HERE

  • Input and unit guidance
  • Formula and worked-example explanations
  • Reasons actual costs may differ
How much power does an electric dryer use?
Most electric dryers use between 2,000 and 6,000 watts, with the average being around 3,000 watts. This makes them one of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home when they are running.
How can I reduce drying costs?
Clean the lint filter before every load to maintain airflow. Run full loads, but don't overload. If your washing machine has a high-spin setting, use it—it's cheaper to spin water out than to bake it out.
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