# Birth Control Cost Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/birth-control-cost/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The birth control cost calculator compares the total cost of a contraceptive method over the years you plan to use it – upfront and ongoing costs – along with its typical-use failure rate and the chance of an unintended pregnancy over that time.

## Inputs

- Method (typical failure rate)
- Years of use
- Upfront cost (device and fitting)
- Device lasts (years, 0 if not a device)
- Monthly cost

## Results

- Devices needed
- Total cost
- Cost per year
- Chance of pregnancy over the period (typical use)

## Formula

```
Total cost = upfront cost × number of devices needed + monthly cost × months
Chance of pregnancy over n years = 1 − (1 − typical failure rate)ⁿ
```

## Explanation

Long-acting methods such as IUDs and implants cost more at the start but are usually the cheapest – and by far the most effective – over several years. In many countries contraception is free or covered by insurance.

### How to use the Birth Control Cost Calculator

- **Method (typical failure rate)**
- **Years of use**
- **Upfront cost (device and fitting)**
- **Device lasts (years, 0 if not a device)**
- **Monthly cost**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Choose the method and enter what you pay (upfront for devices, monthly for pills, patches, rings or condoms) and how long you plan to use it.

### Typical-use failure rates

MethodPregnancies per 100 women in the first yearImplant0.1Hormonal IUD0.4Copper IUD0.8Injection (every 3 months)4Pill7Patch7Vaginal ring7Diaphragm17Male condom13Female condom21Withdrawal20Fertility awareness methods15Spermicide21No method85

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterMethod (typical failure rate)Choose one: Implant (0.1%), Hormonal IUD (0.4%), Copper IUD (0.8%), Injection (every 3 months) (4%) …Years of useA numberUpfront cost (device and fitting)Amount in your currencyDevice lasts (years, 0 if not a device)A numberMonthly costAmount in your currency

### What each result means

- **Total cost** = [Upfront cost (device and fitting)]×[Devices needed] + [Monthly cost]×12×[Years of use]
- **Cost per year** = [Total cost]÷[Years of use]
- **Chance of pregnancy over the period (typical use)** = (1 - (1 - [Method (typical failure rate)]÷100)^[Years of use])×100

*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Method (typical failure rate): Pill (7%); Years of use: 5; Upfront cost (device and fitting): $0; Device lasts (years, 0 if not a device): 0; Monthly cost: $20.

Results — Devices needed = 0; **Total cost = $1,200**; Cost per year = $240; Chance of pregnancy over the period (typical use) = 30.4 %.

## Key terms

- **Typical use**: How a method works in real life, including mistakes.
- **LARC**: Long-acting reversible contraception (IUDs and implants).

## FAQ

**Which birth control is cheapest in the long run?**
Usually copper or hormonal IUDs and implants.

**Which is most effective?**
Implants and IUDs (under 1% a year), then the injection; pills, patches and rings are about 7% with typical use.

**Do condoms protect against STIs?**
Yes – they are the only method that also protects against sexually transmitted infections.


## Sources

- [CDC – Contraception: effectiveness of family planning methods](https://www.cdc.gov/contraception/about/index.html)