Cost Per Use Calculator
Work out what something really costs each time you use it, from its price, how often you'll use it, how long it lasts and what you could sell it for.
How often, on average.
Cleaning, fuel, electricity or tickets per use. Optional.
Cost per use
$0.38
- Uses in all
- 312
- Cost of owning it
- $120.00 after resale
- Cost a year
- $40.00
Used 2 times a week for 3 years, it costs $0.38 each time you use it.
How it's worked out
- Uses in all
2 a week × 52 × 3 years312 - Cost of owning it$120.00
- Cost per use
$120.00 ÷ 312$0.38
- Use Compare scenarios to set a cheap option against a dearer one that lasts longer: the dearer one often works out cheaper per use.
How it is worked out
Uses in all = uses per period × periods in a year × years. Cost per use = (price − resale value) ÷ uses in all, plus any running cost per use.
Questions people ask
What is the cost per use of a 120 jacket worn twice a week for 3 years?
About 0.38 a wear: 120 ÷ (2 × 52 × 3 = 312 wears).
Does resale value count?
Yes. If you sell it on, the real cost is the price minus what you get back, spread over the uses.
How do I compare two items?
Use Compare scenarios: enter the cheaper item in one and the dearer one in the other. One that lasts much longer often costs less per use.
What are running costs?
Anything you pay each time you use it, such as fuel, cleaning, electricity or tickets. They're added to each use.
About this calculator
Formula and rules last checked 10 November 2026Written and tested by the CalculatorDex teamReport a problem