Laundry Load Calculator
Calculate load size, detergent, and water temperature for any laundry type.
Covers cotton, synthetics, and delicates for top-load and front-load washers.
Laundry load size is determined by the weight of dry clothing relative to your washer’s rated capacity. Overloading a washer is the leading cause of premature motor failure, poor cleaning, and excessive wrinkling.
Load Size Guidelines:
Fill Level = Weight of Laundry / Washer Capacity × 100%
Washers should be filled to no more than 75–80% of drum capacity by volume. The drum needs empty space for water to circulate and clothes to tumble freely.
Washer capacity by type:
| Washer Size | Capacity | Approximate Load Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small (compact) | 2.0–2.5 cu ft | 7–9 lbs |
| Medium | 3.0–3.5 cu ft | 10–12 lbs |
| Large | 4.0–4.5 cu ft | 13–15 lbs |
| Extra large | 5.0–6.0 cu ft | 16–20 lbs |
Clothing weight reference:
| Item | Approx. Dry Weight |
|---|---|
| T-shirt | 6–8 oz |
| Jeans (regular) | 1.5–2 lbs |
| Bath towel | 1–1.5 lbs |
| Sweatshirt | 1–1.5 lbs |
| Dress shirt | 8–12 oz |
| Underwear | 2–3 oz |
| Socks (pair) | 2–3 oz |
Worked example: Washer capacity: 4.2 cu ft (large) Max load weight: ~14 lbs Contents: 4 jeans (6 lbs) + 6 shirts (3 lbs) + 6 T-shirts (2.5 lbs) = 11.5 lbs → within capacity
Load sizing rules:
- Small load: Drum 1/3 full, use a smaller water level setting
- Medium load: Drum 1/2 full, standard setting
- Large load: Drum 3/4 full, maximum effective capacity
- Never pack clothes past the drum rim: this is an overload
Front-loaders are more sensitive to overloading than top-loaders. When in doubt, split into two smaller loads — the extra cycle is cheaper than a washer repair.