Everyday Money
Cost Per Use Calculator
Turn a purchase price into a cost per use, then see weekly and yearly spend if you keep using it.
What does each use actually cost?
A £90 pair of shoes worn 90 times costs £1 a wear before cleaning or repairs. Add a per-use running cost if the item uses electricity, fuel or consumables — coffee machines and printers often surprise people here. This calculator is a simple ownership check for clothes, tools and gadgets: replace expected uses with how often you really use the item once you have history. Items you will use rarely need a low purchase price; daily drivers can justify higher quality. For lifespan comparisons between two products see cost comparison; for energy-heavy kit see appliance running cost. Estimates only. Wardrobe audits work well with this framing: evening dresses worn twice a year need a different purchase rule from commuting shoes. Tool libraries and hire shops are rational when expected uses stay in single digits. After you own something for a season, replace the guessed use count with the real tally so future buying decisions improve.
Worked example
A £120 coat worn 80 times over two winters is £1.50 per wear. A £40 coat worn 15 times before it fails is about £2.67 per wear — dearer in use despite the lower sticker. Add £5 waterproofing once and the quality coat moves to roughly £1.56 per wear while lasting into a third season.
Limits and assumptions
Fashion obsolescence and fit changes are not modelled. Repair skill and spare parts availability can extend life beyond your first guess. Resale value is ignored unless you net it off the purchase price.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a ‘use’?
One wear, one project, one brew — pick a definition and stick to it when comparing items.
Should repairs be included?
Add expected repairs into the purchase total, or as a higher per-use running cost.
How does this help buying decisions?
Items you will use rarely need a low purchase price; daily drivers can justify higher quality and cost.
Can I include cleaning costs?
Yes — dry-cleaning or detergent can be averaged into the per-use running cost.
What if I share the item?
Divide purchase cost by all users’ combined uses, or only count your uses if you care about personal cost.