Disposable tampons and pads cost the average user roughly $5–$15 a month. Reusable options cost more up front but last for years: a menstrual cup can last up to ten years and period pants about two. Over a decade the difference can be hundreds of dollars and thousands of items kept out of landfill.
How to use the Period Products Cost Calculator
- Product
- Cycle length
- Items used per period
- Items per package
- Price per package
- Price (cup or one pair of pants)
- Pairs of pants needed
- Lifetime of reusable product
- Years to compare
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose the product and enter your cycle length, the number of items used per period and the price, or the price and lifetime for reusable products, and the number of years.
Tips
- Use the figures from your own bills and product labels – prices and appliance ratings vary widely.
- Look at yearly totals: small daily costs add up and make it easier to compare options.
- Round quantities up to whole packs, rolls or bulbs when you shop.
- Re-check the numbers when prices change; most results scale directly with the unit price.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing watts (power) with watt-hours or kilowatt-hours (energy).
- Comparing prices without bringing them to the same unit first.
- Ignoring one-off costs such as installation, delivery or replacement parts.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Product | Choose one: Tampons, Pads, Menstrual cup, Period pants |
| Cycle length | In days |
| Items used per period | A number |
| Items per package | A number |
| Price per package | Amount in your currency |
| Price (cup or one pair of pants) | Amount in your currency |
| Pairs of pants needed | A number |
| Lifetime of reusable product | In years |
| Years to compare | A number |
Example values
How the main result changes when Cycle length changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Cycle length (days) | Cost over the period |
|---|---|
| 21 | 773.02 |
| 28 | 579.76 |
| 35 | 463.81 |
| 42 | 386.51 |
| 56 | 289.88 |
Formula
Periods per year = 365.25 ÷ cycle lengthDisposables: cost = items per period × periods × price per itemReusables: cost = price × ceil(years ÷ lifetime)Worked example
Inputs — Product: Tampons; Cycle length: 28 days; Items used per period: 20; Items per package: 36; Price per package: $8; Price (cup or one pair of pants): $30; Pairs of pants needed: 5; Lifetime of reusable product: 5 years; Years to compare: 10.
Results — Periods per year = 13; Cost per year = $57.98; Cost over the period = $579.76; Disposable items over the period = 2,609.
Frequently asked questions
How much do periods cost a year?
Typically $60–$150 a year for disposable tampons or pads, depending on flow and brand.
How long does a menstrual cup last?
Most last 2–10 years with proper care.
Are period pants worth it?
A set of 5–7 pairs lasts about two years and can cost less over time than disposables.
What formula does the Period Products Cost Calculator use?
Periods per year = 365.25 ÷ cycle length.