About

Running out of essentials is an inconvenience; during supply chain disruptions or tight financial months, it becomes a stressor. Effective home economics requires predicting consumption rates to optimize bulk purchasing and avoid emergency trips to the store. This calculator models consumption based on household size and behavioral intensity.

Unlike simple division, this tool applies usage multipliers. A household with small children or pets consumes paper towels and laundry detergent at a significantly higher rate than a calm inputs-only household. The logic derives from average consumer data, adjusting for "Usage Intensity" to personalize the forecast.

Formulas

The formula for D (Days until empty) is:

D = SR_base × M × P

Where:

S is current Stock quantity.
R_base is the standard daily consumption rate per person.
M is the Usage Intensity Multiplier (0.7 to 1.5).
P is the number of People in the household.

Reference Data

Item	Avg Rate (Per Person)	Standard Unit
Toilet Paper	0.42 rolls/day	Roll
Laundry Detergent	0.6 loads/day	Load / Pod
Dish Soap	0.15 oz/day	Fluid Ounce
Paper Towels	0.25 rolls/day	Roll
Toothpaste	0.05 oz/day	Ounce
Shampoo	0.3 oz/day	Ounce
Trash Bags	0.25 bags/day	Bag (Kitchen)

Frequently Asked Questions

The rates are based on national consumer averages. However, individual habits vary wildly. The "Usage Intensity" slider allows you to calibrate the tool: slide to "High" if you have pets, kids, or work from home (increasing toilet paper and paper towel use).

No. You should temporarily increase the "Household Size" input if you have long-term guests. For short visits, the buffer is usually sufficient.

Knowing your monthly burn rate helps with budgeting and bulk buying. It allows you to see if that 30-pack from the wholesale club will actually last the month or if you need two.

High intensity applies to scenarios like: working from home (more toilet paper/electricity), having a baby (more laundry/trash), or frequent cooking (more dish soap/paper towels).