Enter the name of an item, its purchase price, any additional ownership costs, its estimated resale value, and the number of times you expect to use it.
The Cost Per Use Calculator estimates how much each use of that item will cost over its expected lifetime.
**Total Ownership Cost = Purchase Price + Additional Ownership Costs**
**Net Ownership Cost = Total Ownership Cost − Estimated Resale Value**
**Cost Per Use = Net Ownership Cost ÷ Expected Number of Uses**
Additional ownership costs may include alterations, cleaning, repairs, maintenance, or other expenses associated with the item.
The estimated resale value represents the amount you expect to recover if you eventually sell the item. Enter zero if you do not expect to resell it.
### Comparing Two Purchases
Select "Compare Two Pieces" to evaluate two items side by side.
Enter the purchase details and expected number of uses for each item. The calculator compares their estimated costs per use and identifies which offers the lower cost per use under your assumptions.
The comparison also displays the difference in cost per use, the percentage difference relative to the higher cost-per-use figure, and the number of uses the more expensive-per-use item would need to reach the lower cost-per-use figure, assuming its ownership costs and resale value remain unchanged.
A lower purchase price does not necessarily mean better value. An item that costs more initially may have a lower cost per use if it is used substantially more often.
### Understanding Your Results
The results are estimates based on the information you provide. Actual cost per use may change depending on how frequently you use the item, maintenance expenses, durability, and eventual resale value.
Cost per use is only one way to evaluate a purchase. Quality, comfort, usefulness, personal preferences, and affordability may also influence your decision.
This calculator is intended for educational and personal budgeting purposes. It does not predict future resale prices or guarantee that a particular purchase will provide better value.
