One of the key factors in ending up with truly clean laundry is not to overload the washer. If the washer tub is jam-packed, some clothes will have limited exposure time to the cleaning solution and come out with their original stains and odor. Your washer machine size chart should let you know the capacity of your washer so you don't overstuff it.
If you have lost your washing machine manualand you need to know the capacity of your washer tub, it is simple to calculate. This is also helpful if you want to replace an older machine with one with the same washing capacity.Determining your washer's capacity will also help you know how many clothes it should hold in every load to get good results.
Below are some guidelines to help, including how to calculate the washer tub size, the weight of your dirty laundry, and more.
The Formula to Calculate Tub Capacity of a Washer
Use this equation to calculate the volume or holding capacity of thewashing machine tub; assuming all measurements are in feet.
Equation: Volume (cu. ft.) = pi × r × r × D
For the equation, follow this key:
- pi = ~3.14
- r = radius (feet); remember r = diameter divided by two
- D = depth (feet); in classic geometrical terms the height of the cylinder
- Note: The units result in (cu. ft.). ft × ft × ft = cubic feet.
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How to Calculate the Tub Volume or Capacity of a Washer
- Make all measurements in feet.
- Measure the radius of the tub; from the center of the tub to the outside wall of the tub. Alternatively, measure the diameter and divide by two. This is the radius.
- Using the formula, multiply the radius by the radius; note this is not the same as multiplying the radius by two. This is equivalent to the radius squared.
- Multiply the radius squared from step threeabove by pi (3.14).
- Multiply the value from step fourby the depth of the tub to find the cubic feet volume or capacity of the washer.
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Load Capacity by Washer Size
If you are searching for a new washer, different stylesare sold with the capacity listed in cubic feet. Now that you know the size of your washer drum, you can figure out how much laundry it will hold in each load. Remember, while it is economical in both utility costs and time management to do full loads, you should never cram clothes and overstuff a washer just because you can.Always check your manual to see specifics for your model washer, but here is a washing machine load size chart with average load capacities for various size washers.
| Machine Type* | Cubic Feet | Pounds of Laundry Per Load |
| Compact | 1.5 to 3.4 | 4 to 8 |
| Standard | 3.5 to 4.4 | 12 to 16 |
| Large | 4.5 to 5.0 | 16 to 20 |
| Extra-Large | 5.1 to 6.2 | 20 to 25 |
*Machine type applies to both top-loading and front-loading washing machines.
How Much Does Laundry Weigh?
When automatic washers became commonplace in homes in the 1950s and 1960s, the washer manufacturers began using the term "load of laundry."At that time, the capacity of most washers averaged 8 pounds of clothes or linens. As washers became larger so did the pound limits of "a load." The introduction of high-efficiency washers that contain no center agitator increased the load capacity. Front-loading high-efficiency washers rely on a tumbling action to move clothes through the cleaning solution and top-loading high-efficiency washers use a bottom paddle agitator leaving more space for dirty clothes.
To give you an idea of how much dirty laundry weighs, here are some guidelines:
Type Of Laundry | What It Weighs |
XL T-shirt | .5 pounds |
Medium Blue Jeans | 1.6 pounds |
Medium Sweatshirt | .9 pounds |
One Full-Size Bed Sheet | 1.3 pounds |
One Large Bath Towel or Beach Towel | 1.6 pounds |
These weights give you a good guideline as to how many of each item can fit in a load of laundry. After you have sorted the laundry (as you always do, right?), you should weigh your empty laundry basket and then fill it with what you estimate as a full load of dirty clothes. Weigh the filled basket again and adjust appropriately. You may be able to wash more or you may need to remove some items. As an example, 12 pounds of laundry might look like a load of two bath towels, six T-shirts, and four pairs of jeans.
Now you're ready toload the washerand select the appropriate water temperature and cycle. If you have several members of the household doing laundry, take some photos of a full load or post the appropriate weights on a bulletin board. It might just give you cleaner clothes and help your washer last longer.
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FAQ
What size washing machine do I need?
Most homeowners have washing machines in medium or large sizes to accommodate their laundry. The capacity size for medium or large washing machines is usually between 3.5 to 5 cubic feet. If your living space is small and you require a small washing machine, you may have to take larger items such as bulky coats and comforters to the laundromat to be cleaned.
How do I know if my washing machine is overloaded?
You can tell if your washing machine is overloaded by simply placing your hand inside the drum. If there is room to move your hand around, the laundry load should be good to run. Some washing machines will show an error message if there is too much laundry in the drum, or if the cycle was not completed due to max capacity.
What happens if you overload a washing machine?
If you overload your washing machine, your clothes may not get cleaned properly. There is also the risk of throwing off the spin cycle, which could result in soaking wet clothes that were not spun properly due to an imbalance of weight. A heavier load can also cause more strain on your machine's motor, which can shorten the life of your washer.
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