Period Products Cost Calculator
Find out exactly how much your period costs you - per month, per year, and over a lifetime. Choose your primary product, enter quantity and price details, then see a full cost breakdown and lifetime comparison across all product types. Switch currencies to match your local prices.
How much does a period cost?
The average person who menstruates spends somewhere between $65 and $150 per year on period products, depending on the product type, brand, and how heavy their flow is. Over a reproductive lifetime of roughly 38 years (about 456 periods), that works out to anywhere from a few hundred dollars with a reusable menstrual cup to more than $5,000 with disposable pads or menstrual discs. Product type is the single biggest driver of lifetime cost: reusable cups and period underwear can cut spending by 90% or more compared to disposable alternatives, though they require a higher upfront investment.
Tampons vs. pads vs. menstrual cup vs. period underwear
Tampons typically cost $5 to $15 per period, depending on absorbency and brand, adding up to roughly $65 to $200 per year. Pads tend to cost more per unit than tampons and last less time, pushing annual costs toward $100 to $150. Menstrual discs, a newer disposable option, have similar per-cycle costs to pads. Menstrual cups have a purchase price of $20 to $50 but last 5 to 10 years with proper care, meaning total lifetime spend is often under $100. Period underwear falls in the middle: an initial set costs $100 to $200, needs replacing every 2 to 5 years, and delivers significant long-term savings over disposables. The right product depends on your flow, comfort preferences, lifestyle, and how you weigh upfront cost against long-term savings.
Hidden costs of menstruating
Product cost is only part of the picture. A full lifetime of menstruation also involves pain relief (over-the-counter medications add up to hundreds of dollars over decades), laundry from leaks (estimated at $2,000 or more over a lifetime for detergent and water), and replacement of stained underwear. Some people also spend on heating pads, supplements, or hormonal birth control partly to manage period symptoms. This calculator focuses on the product itself, but factoring in these ancillary costs makes the case for low-waste reusable options even stronger.
Why the "pink tax" matters
In many US states and countries, period products are taxed as non-essential luxury goods, adding 5% to 10% to every purchase. This is often called the "pink tax" or "tampon tax." As of 2026, more than 20 US states have eliminated the sales tax on menstrual products, and several countries including the UK, Canada, and Australia have also removed it. If your region still applies this tax, factor it into the per-pack price you enter above to get an accurate total.
Typical lifetime cost by period product (USD)
| Product | Cost per period | Cost per year | Lifetime cost | Environmental impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampons | $5.00 | $65 | $2,470 | High (single-use) |
| Pads / sanitary towels | $9.60 | $125 | $4,750 | High (single-use) |
| Menstrual discs (disposable) | $11.67 | $152 | $5,770 | High (single-use) |
| Menstrual cup (reusable) | $0.10 | $1.30 | $50 | Very low |
| Period underwear | $0.80 | $10 | $380 | Low |
Estimates based on 38 years of periods, an average 28-day cycle, and standard US retail pricing as of 2026. Reusable product costs assume recommended replacement schedules.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the average person spend on period products per year?
With disposable products like tampons or pads, the average is roughly $65 to $150 per year in the United States. People who use reusable options like menstrual cups or period underwear often spend less than $20 per year on an amortised basis once the upfront cost is spread over the product lifespan.
How many periods does a person have in a lifetime?
The average person who menstruates has approximately 456 periods over their lifetime, based on menstruation starting around age 13 and ending around age 51, with a typical 28-day cycle. This works out to about 12 to 13 periods per year for 38 years. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or hormonal contraception can reduce this number.
How long does a menstrual cup last?
Most silicone menstrual cups are designed to last 5 to 10 years with proper cleaning and storage. Over a 38-year reproductive lifetime, you would typically need 4 to 8 cups, for a total cost of $80 to $320, far less than the thousands spent on tampons or pads.
Is period underwear cheaper than tampons in the long run?
Yes, for most people. A set of 5 pairs of period underwear might cost $150 to $200 upfront, and need replacing every 2 to 5 years. Over 38 years, total spending is typically $400 to $600. By comparison, tampons often cost $2,000 to $3,000 or more over the same period. The break-even point for period underwear versus tampons is often less than 2 years.
What is the "tampon tax" and does it apply to me?
The tampon tax (or pink tax) is sales tax applied to menstrual products in regions that classify them as non-essential goods. In the United States, it varies by state: more than 20 states have removed it, while others still charge 5% to 10%. Internationally, policies vary widely. Check your local rules and add any applicable tax into the pack price when using this calculator.
Can I use this calculator for menstrual discs?
Yes. Select "Menstrual disc (disposable)" from the product menu. Disposable discs like Flex or Softdisc are usually sold in packs of 12 and can last 12 hours each, so most people use 8 to 12 per period. Enter the units per period and pack details to get your cost estimate.