The short answer
An EU dishwasher label states electricity per 100 eco cycles and water per cycle; programme duration is elapsed time. Divide the electricity figure by 100 before pricing one stated cycle. Capacity and noise inform a purchase choice, while other programmes and US energy boundaries need their own compatible inputs.
The label mixes per-100-cycle and per-cycle units
On an EU dishwasher label, electricity is stated per 100 eco cycles, while water is stated per cycle. Programme duration is elapsed time, not energy. Read the unit beside each number before entering it into a cost calculator.
The European Commission’s dishwasher guidance also identifies efficiency class, capacity and noise information. These answer different buying questions; none replaces the kWh quantity.
Read a traceable manufacturer label
Bosch’s SMD6YCX01G GB label supplies the following example. It demonstrates the reading method; use your own exact model and applicable market record for a purchase.
| Printed item | Example value | What to do with it |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 54 kWh/100 cycles | Divide by 100 for corresponding cycle energy |
| Water | 9.5 litres/cycle | Keep separate from the electricity calculation |
| Rated capacity | 14 place settings | Check whether the appliance meets the household task |
| Eco programme duration | 4 hours 55 minutes | Use for scheduling, not as a kWh figure |
| Noise | 44 dB | Compare compatible noise information separately |
| Efficiency class | A | Keep the label regime and consumption figure alongside the letter |
The long eco duration does not mean maximum input watts apply throughout. Programme time and electricity use explains that distinction.
Turn the energy quantity into cost
Using five cycles/week and an illustrative €0.30/kWh:
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Corresponding cycle energy | 54 ÷ 100 | 0.54 kWh |
| Cycle electricity | 0.54 × €0.30 | €0.162, displayed as €0.16 |
| Annual cycles | 5 × 52 | 260 |
| Annual cycle energy | 0.54 × 260 | 140.4 kWh |
| Annual electricity | 140.4 × €0.30 | €42.12 |
The household frequency and tariff are chosen assumptions. Actual use depends on programme, loading and conditions. The calculation prices the label’s eco basis, not every programme you might run.
Load these inputs below or use the label reader to retain the model, task and unit.
A more precise product sheet can give a different result
The same model’s product sheet states 0.543 kWh per eco cycle. With the same EUR scenario, that gives €42.35/year instead of €42.12. The difference is about €0.23/year, calculated before rounding.
Retain the precision of the chosen source. This particular difference does not establish that all discrepancies are rounding: different models, programmes or document versions need investigation.
Read the cost-per-cycle guide for the product-sheet calculation and weekly frequencies.
Price water only with its own billing basis
Litres are not kWh. A separately metered water calculation needs the relevant water and wastewater prices. Convert litres to cubic metres when the price uses cubic metres; 9.5 litres is 0.0095 m³.
A fixed water fee that remains unchanged is a different cost boundary. Do not assign it to each cycle and call the allocation a saving. Detergent is also outside the electricity estimate.
Keep US and household-measurement boundaries clear
ENERGY STAR explains that US dishwasher energy metrics include operation, water heating and drying. Match that scope before comparing an annual estimate with appliance-socket kWh.
The calculator accepts annual or cycle-based energy directly. It does not infer the test wash count of a US annual label. Check capacity, programme and hot-water treatment before comparing two appliance purchases.