Shower vs Bath Cost Calculator
Compare the cost of a bath against a shower, energy to heat the water plus metered water charges, and see how many minutes of shower use it takes to match one bath.
Estimate only. These are estimates, appliance ratings and tariffs vary, and actual water use, mains temperature and boiler efficiency vary by home. Check your own energy and water bills for the rates that apply to you.
Enter your bath and shower details
The cost per bath, per shower, and the break-even point appear here as you type.
How the shower vs bath cost is worked out
Both a bath and a shower need water heated by roughly the same temperature rise, so the cost comes down to how many litres you use. A bath uses a fixed amount regardless of how you feel that day; a shower's litres depend on the flow rate of the showerhead and how long you're in there, which is why shower length matters as much as the showerhead itself. Each litre is costed for the energy to heat it (adjusted for boiler efficiency on gas) plus, if you're on a water meter, the water and sewerage charge per cubic metre. Multiplying by 365 days and by the number of people in the household gives a full annual picture, often the number that makes cutting shower time worth the effort.