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Cost Per Wear Calculator
Enter the price, how often you will use the item and how long you will keep it. You get the cost of each use, which makes cheap and expensive options comparable.
| Number of uses | Cost per wear |
|---|---|
| 5 | $30 |
| 10 | $15 |
| 30 | $5 |
| 50 | $3 |
| 100 | $1.50 |
| 200 | $0.75 |
Example
A $150 item used 4 times a month for 3 years is used 144 times, which is $1.04 per wear.
How the cost per wear calculator works
Cost per wear is the total cost of owning something divided by the number of times you use it: cost per wear = (price + care costs − resale value) / number of uses.
It lets you compare a cheap item that wears out quickly with an expensive one that lasts. Boots at 200 worn 300 times cost less per wear than boots at 60 worn 40 times.
The answer is only as good as your estimate of use. Base it on how often you wear similar things you already own.
Common questions
What is a good cost per wear?
There is no fixed number. Some people aim for less than the price of a coffee per wear for everyday clothes. Occasion wear will always be higher because it is used rarely.
Does it work for things other than clothes?
Yes. The same sum gives a cost per use for a bike, a gym membership, a kitchen appliance or a season ticket.
Can a low cost per wear justify any purchase?
No. It helps you choose between options for something you need. It cannot tell you whether you need the item in the first place.