School Supply Budget Calculator: Back-to-School Cost

School supply costs vary significantly by grade level and district. This calculator uses current national averages to give you a realistic back-to-school budget.

Total Cost = Cost Per Child (by grade) × Number of Children

Average supply costs by grade level (2025–2026 school year):

• Pre-K / Kindergarten: $50–$80, basics like crayons, glue sticks, a backpack, and a water bottle
• Elementary (1st–5th): $80–$150, notebooks, folders, pencils, markers, and a ruler
• Middle School (6th–8th): $120–$200, binders, dividers, highlighters, a USB drive, and a scientific calculator
• High School (9th–12th): $150–$250, graphing calculator, specialty supplies, planner, and tech accessories
• College / University: $200–$400+, textbooks and course fees sold separately

Worked example: Two children — one in 3rd grade, one in 7th grade:

• Elementary: $115 (midpoint estimate)
• Middle school: $160 (midpoint estimate)
• Total: $275

Common required items across all levels:

• All grades: Backpack, pencils, notebooks, folders
• Elementary adds: Crayons, markers, glue sticks, scissors
• Middle school adds: Binders, dividers, highlighters, USB drive
• High school adds: Graphing calculator, subject-specific supplies

Money-saving strategies:

• Shop during tax-free weekends: most states offer them in July or August
• Buy store-brand supplies: often 40–60% cheaper than name brands
• Check local supply drives: many nonprofits distribute free kits
• Reuse items in good condition from the previous year
• Use price-match guarantees at major retailers