Cost per Use Calculator (is it worth buying? price ÷ how often you use it)

How it works

Cost per use = (price − resale value) ÷ total uses + running cost per use, where total uses = uses per week × 52 × years. Buying beats the alternative once (price − resale value) ÷ (alternative price − running cost) uses have been reached. A negative saving means paying per use would have been cheaper. Be honest about how often you will really use it — most people overestimate.

⚠ Estimates for information only — not financial advice.

FAQ

What is a good cost per use?

Compare it with the cheapest way to get the same thing without buying — renting, a day pass, a taxi, a single class. If the cost per use is lower, buying makes sense.

Why include the resale value?

Things you can sell later (bikes, cameras, designer bags) cost you only the difference between the price and what you get back.

Checked 11 Nov 2026. Cost-per-use and break-even arithmetic (fixed cost ÷ number of uses).