What this calculator does
Cost per use divides what an item really costs you by the number of times you use it. A $180 coat worn five times a week for six winters can cost less per wear than a $60 coat you replace after two. The calculator compares two or three items side by side and shows which one costs less each time you use it.
How the numbers work
- Uses = how often × 52 (per week), 12 (per month) or 1 (per year) × years.
- Cost per use = (price − resale value at the end) ÷ uses.
- Uses needed to match = what the costlier item costs you ÷ the lowest cost per use, rounded up.
An example
A basic coat costs $60 and is worn 3 times a week for 2 years: 312 wears, about $0.19 a wear. A warm coat costs $180 and is worn 5 times a week for 6 years: 1,560 wears, about $0.12 a wear. The warm coat costs about $0.08 less each time, even though its price is three times higher.
Tips
- Be honest about use: a gadget that sits in a drawer has a high cost per use whatever its price.
- Count a resale value only if you really sell things you no longer need.
- A low price is not a deal if you would not use the item: check the "is it really a deal?" calculator too.
- Before paying for a longer warranty, read our guide to extended warranties and protection plans.
Frequently asked questions
What is cost per use?
It is the price of an item, minus what you could sell it for later, divided by the number of times you use it. It helps compare a cheap item you replace often with a pricier one that lasts.
Should I always buy the item with the lowest cost per use?
Not always. It must fit your budget, and you must really use it as often as you typed. Buying it on a credit card you don't pay in full adds interest.
Does the calculator include sales tax?
No. If you want tax included, type the price with tax.
Is my information saved?
No. The numbers stay in your browser and are not sent to us.