Shower Cost Calculator
Find out exactly how much each shower costs you in water and energy. This calculator factors in your shower duration, showerhead flow rate, local water rates, and the type of water heater you use to give you a complete cost breakdown per shower and per month.
The cost of a shower comes from two sources: the water itself and the energy needed to heat it. The formula works as follows:
- Water used = Duration (min) x Flow rate (gal/min)
- Heat energy (BTU) = Gallons x 8.34 lb/gal x 60°F temperature rise
- Electric cost = BTU / 3,412 BTU per kWh / 0.95 efficiency x rate
- Gas cost = BTU / 100,000 BTU per therm / 0.60 efficiency x rate
The biggest factor in shower cost is duration. Cutting your shower from 10 minutes to 5 minutes halves both water and energy usage. Switching to a low-flow showerhead (2.0 GPM or less) is the next most impactful change, saving 20-40% on water and heating costs without a noticeable difference in water pressure for most people.
On average, an 8-minute shower with a standard 2.5 GPM showerhead uses about 20 gallons of water and costs between $0.50 and $1.50 depending on local rates and heater type. Over a year, that adds up to $180-$550 per person.