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Grow economics

Hydroponic Cost & ROI Calculator

See what your hydroponic setup really costs to build and run — and how quickly it pays for itself compared with buying the same produce at the store.

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  • Open formulas
  • Runs 100% in-browser
  • Peer-reviewed targets

Your Setup

Edit any field. Starting a harvest (seedling to harvest) is counted as one cycle per crop. Store price and equipment defaults adjust automatically when you change crop or system.

System, pump, lights, reservoir, grow medium.
Seeds, nutrients, pH kit, timers.
Per kilogram of produce, at your local store.
Total watts your grow lights draw.
Cost per kWh (US average ~$0.17).
Cost of nutrients and additives per week.
Cost per gallon of tap water.
Replacement parts, cleaning, pH adjusters.

Your Cost & Return

Fill in your setup and click Calculate Cost & ROI to see the numbers here.

$0
estimated net benefit per year
Startup cost$0
Store value of harvest$0/yr
Running costs$0/yr
Payback period-
5-year net$0
Return on investment0%/yr

How the Cost Calculator Works

Three numbers decide whether hydroponics pays for itself in your home or small operation.

1. Total your startup cost

Equipment plus setup extras — seeds, nutrients, pH kit, timers. This is what you spend before the first harvest.

2. Add up running costs

Electricity from your lights, weekly nutrients, water, and replacements — annualized so you can compare against a year of store shopping.

3. Compare to the store

The value of what your plants produce each year minus running costs gives your net benefit. Divide startup by that to find your payback.

Default Values Used by the Calculator

You can override any of these in the form. Typical yield per plant, cycle length, and approximate store price per kilogram.

Yield, cycle and store-price assumptions per crop. Cut-and-come-again crops like basil and kale can yield multiple harvests per cycle.
CropYield per PlantCycle LengthStore Price (per kg)
Microgreens0.05 kg~2 weeks$60
Lettuce0.5 kg~6 weeks$6
Kale0.8 kg~8 weeks$9
Basil0.1 kg~5 weeks$15
Strawberries0.7 kg~16 weeks$10
Cucumbers5 kg~16 weeks$4
Tomatoes4 kg~20 weeks$5
Bell peppers2.5 kg~18 weeks$8

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hydroponics cheaper than buying produce?

Over the long run, yes for most crops — your running costs (electricity, nutrients, water) are usually far below what the same produce costs at the store. The catch is the upfront equipment, which is why payback is the number that matters most.

How do I calculate my payback period?

Divide your total startup cost by your net annual benefit (harvest value minus running costs). Multiply by 12 to get months. This calculator does that automatically and also shows your 5-year net and annual ROI.

Why is my result showing a loss?

Usually because store prices for leafy greens are low, nutrient costs are high, or the light is small for the area. Try a higher-value crop, larger plant count, or check whether your electricity rate and nutrient spend are realistic.

Which crops have the best hydroponic ROI?

Microgreens are the classic high-ROI crop because of fast cycles and a premium per-gram price. Herbs like basil also do well. Low-value leafy greens are more about convenience and freshness than big financial returns.

Does electricity dominate the running cost?

Usually electricity and nutrients are the two biggest line items. LED lights cut the power bill versus HPS, and making your own nutrient solutions from salts can cut nutrient costs dramatically.

How accurate is a hydroponic cost calculator?

It is a planning estimate based on typical yields, prices, and consumption. Actual results vary with local electricity and produce prices, genetics, and how well you manage the system — so treat it as a guide, then refine with your own numbers.

More tools & calculators

Round out your setup with the rest of the toolkit.

Hydro Doctor

Diagnose yellow leaves, root rot, pests & more

Nutrient Calculator

Mix accurate nutrient solutions for your reservoir

Water Efficiency Calculator

Compare systems and cut water use

Yield Calculator

Estimate your expected harvest

Plant Selection Tool

Find the best crops for your setup

Mist Timer Calculator

Dial in on/off misting cycles

Grow Light Calculator

Find your PPFD and daily light integral

Conversions & Reference Hub

Convert EC to PPM, temp, volume & mass

VPD Calculator

Balance temperature and humidity

Looking for something else?

Browse every calculator and tool MistCulture has for hydroponic and aeroponic growers.

See all Tools & Resources →

Disclaimer: Planning estimate only. Actual costs and yields depend on your local prices, setup, and growing conditions. © MistCulture.com

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