💰 Cost Per Gram Calculator

Calculate the true cost per gram of growing cannabis and determine your return on investment.

Enter Your Growing Costs

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your total one-time setup costs including all equipment (grow tent, lights, ventilation, pots, tools, etc.)
  2. Input your monthly operating costs including electricity, water, nutrients, and any recurring supplies
  3. Specify your grow cycle length in months from seed or clone to harvest (typically 3-5 months depending on strain and method)
  4. Enter your expected yield in grams based on your grow space size, plant count, and experience level
  5. Optionally set your local dispensary price per gram to calculate potential savings and ROI
  6. Click "Calculate Cost Per Gram" to see your complete cost analysis
  7. Review your cost per gram, total investment, payback period, and estimated savings compared to retail prices

Understanding Growing Costs

What Affects Cost Per Gram?

Your cost per gram is determined by three main factors: initial equipment investment, ongoing operating expenses, and harvest yield. Higher yields and lower operating costs reduce your per-gram cost, while expensive equipment increases first-harvest costs but amortizes over multiple grows.

Setup Costs vs. Operating Costs

Setup costs are one-time investments in equipment that can be used for years. These include grow tents, lights, fans, filters, and basic tools. Operating costs are recurring expenses like electricity, nutrients, growing medium, and water. After your first harvest, setup costs are effectively "paid off," dramatically reducing future per-gram costs.

Typical Cost Ranges

First-time growers typically spend $500-2000 on setup and $50-200/month on operations. With yields of 50-200g per plant, first-harvest costs range from $5-15 per gram. After equipment is paid off, subsequent harvests often cost just $2-5 per gram—a fraction of retail prices.

Maximizing Cost Efficiency

To minimize costs: 1) Choose efficient LED grow lights to reduce electricity, 2) Optimize your grow space to maximize yield per square foot, 3) Buy quality equipment once instead of upgrading later, 4) Track and reduce operating costs over time, 5) Improve your growing skills to increase yields with the same resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the cost per gram calculator?

This calculator provides accurate estimates based on the costs and yield you input. Actual costs can vary based on energy rates, equipment choices, and growing efficiency. Be sure to include all costs (equipment, electricity, nutrients, water, etc.) for the most accurate calculation.

What should I include in setup costs?

Include all one-time equipment purchases: grow tent or space modifications, lights, ventilation fans, carbon filters, pots, soil or hydroponic system, pH/EC meters, timers, and any other initial equipment. Don't include recurring costs like nutrients or electricity.

What counts as monthly operating costs?

Include all recurring expenses: electricity for lights and ventilation, water, nutrients, growing medium replacements, pest control products, and any other supplies you purchase regularly. Calculate your electricity cost by multiplying your light wattage by hours used and your local electricity rate.

Is growing cannabis at home cost-effective?

For most home growers, the cost per gram is significantly lower than retail prices, especially after the initial setup is paid off. First-harvest costs are typically $5-15 per gram including setup, while subsequent harvests often drop to $2-5 per gram once equipment is paid off.

Is this calculator free to use?

Yes! This calculator is completely free with no subscriptions, registrations, or limitations. All calculations happen locally in your browser for complete privacy.

Is my grow information private?

Absolutely. All calculations are performed locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server or stored anywhere. Your grow costs and yield information remain completely private.