Laundry Detergent Cost Per Load Calculator

A bottle of liquid detergent says 64 loads and costs $12.99. A tub of pods says 42 loads and costs $13.49. Per load: $12.99 ÷ 64 ≈ $0.20 and $13.49 ÷ 42 ≈ $0.32.

The liquid is about 37% cheaper per load — if you dose it as the label says.

Detergents come in different strengths. A concentrated bottle can wash as many loads as a much bigger regular one, so the price per fluid ounce can point you to the wrong bottle. The number of loads on the label already accounts for concentration.

It is printed on the front or back, often as “64 loads” or “up to 64 loads”. The count assumes the dose recommended on the label for a normal load. If you use more — or less — your real cost per load changes in proportion.

Pods are usually one per load, so the count is simple. For powder and liquid, the load count depends on following the measuring line. Compare products of the same kind first, then across kinds if you are open to switching.

For a twin pack, tap + Multipack and enter 2 with the loads per bottle. For refill pouches, enter the loads printed on the pouch.

Within one brand, the price per load isn’t always lowest for the biggest bottle:

In this example the middle size wins. Enter each size with its own price and load count to see which one is cheapest at your store.

Dishwasher tablets, fabric softener and cleaning pods also print a count on the pack. Compare them per tablet or per use the same way — the cost per item calculator is already set up for it.