Laundry Loads Per Week Calculator
Estimate how many washing-machine loads your household runs each week from the number of people, the clothes they go through and your machine capacity.
How it works
Clothing loads = people × garments/day × 7 ÷ load capacity · Total = clothing loads + linen loads
Laundry volume scales almost linearly with the number of people and how many garments each wears per day, divided by how much your machine swallows in one cycle. Bedding and towels are counted separately because they are bulky and washed on their own schedule. Running fewer, fuller loads uses markedly less water and energy per garment than many small ones.
Worked example
A family of 3 at 4 garments each per day produces 3 × 4 × 7 = 84 garments a week. In a 20-garment machine that is 4.2 clothing loads; add 1 linen load and you run about 5.2 loads a week, or roughly 270 loads a year.
Frequently asked questions
How many garments fit in one load?
A standard 7–8 kg (15–18 lb) washer holds roughly 20 mixed everyday garments when loosely filled to about three-quarters full. Bulky items like jeans or towels count for more, so drop the number for heavy loads.
Is it cheaper to run fewer, fuller loads?
Yes. Most of a wash cycle’s water and energy is fixed per cycle, so a full load costs little more than a half load but does twice the work. Consolidating small washes is one of the easiest ways to cut your laundry bill.
Does this include drying?
No — this estimates wash loads only. Dryer loads usually match wash loads one-to-one, though line-drying or splitting heavy items can change that.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.