Laundry Load Size and Detergent Calculator
Find out how much laundry detergent to use based on load size, soil level, water hardness, and machine type.
Stop wasting detergent and get cleaner clothes.
Detergent Amount
How Much Laundry Detergent Do You Really Need?
Most people use 2–3 times more detergent than necessary. Excess detergent leaves residue on clothes, traps odors, builds up in your machine, and wastes money.
Why Less Is Often Better
Modern high-efficiency (HE) machines use far less water than older top-loaders. Using regular detergent in an HE machine — or using too much — causes:
- Excess suds that can damage the machine
- Clothes that feel stiff or sticky
- Residue that irritates sensitive skin
- A sour smell in the washing machine drum
Load Size Guide
| Load Size | Drum Fill | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1/4 full | ~1.5 kg / 3 lbs |
| Medium | 1/2 full | ~3 kg / 6.5 lbs |
| Large | 3/4 full | ~4.5 kg / 10 lbs |
| Extra Large | Full (loose) | ~6 kg / 13 lbs |
Never pack the drum completely — clothes need room to tumble.
Detergent Dosing Guide (Standard Liquid)
| Load Size | Normal Soil | Heavy Soil | HE Machine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 20 ml / 4 tsp | 25 ml / 5 tsp | 15 ml / 3 tsp |
| Medium | 30 ml / 2 tbsp | 40 ml | 20 ml / 4 tsp |
| Large | 45 ml / 3 tbsp | 60 ml / 4 tbsp | 30 ml / 2 tbsp |
| Extra Large | 60 ml / 4 tbsp | 80 ml | 45 ml / 3 tbsp |
Water Hardness Matters
Soft water — use 20–30% less detergent than the label says. Hard water — you may need the full recommended amount or slightly more. Hard water prevents detergent from lathering properly, requiring more.
Powder vs Liquid vs Pods
- Powder: Most economical, works best in warm/hot water
- Liquid: Best for cold water washing, good for pre-treating stains
- Pods/Capsules: Pre-measured, convenient, but usually more expensive per wash
- HE detergent: Essential for front-loaders and newer top-loaders — always look for the HE symbol