Coronavirus Mask Calculator
Estimate how many masks to buy, how many boxes to stock, and how much you’ll spend for the next month or longer.
Include commuting, errands, or events that require masks.
CDC recommended 1 mask per 8 hours or per day.
Enter 0 if you rely only on disposables.
Estimate how many uses before replacement.
Supply Snapshot
Total masks needed
0
Boxes to purchase
0
Total cost
$0.00
Daily disposable use
0 masks
After cloth mask offsets
How to Use This Calculator
Know your household routine
Estimate how many hours each person spends in public spaces. Work, transit, and errands drive mask turnover.
Factor in reusable masks
Enter the number of cloth masks per person and their wash cycle. This reduces disposable demand over time.
Stock smart, not excessive
Use results to buy enough boxes for one or two months. Update inputs as schedules, mask guidance, or supply change.
Formula
Disposable Masks/Person/Day = Ceiling(Hours Outside ÷ Mask Duration)
Cloth Offset = (Cloth Masks × Lifespan) ÷ Days Planned
Total Masks = (Disposable − Cloth Offset) × Members × Days
Example: 3 people × 6 hrs/day ÷ 8 hr mask = 3 masks/day. With 2 cloth masks lasting 20 washes (1.3 mask/day offset), disposables needed ≈ 5 masks/day for the household.
Mask Management Tips
Keep masks organized and safe: rotate cloth masks, store disposables cleanly, and set reminders to restock before you run out.
- Assign labeled hooks or bags for each person’s clean and used masks.
- Wash cloth masks in gentle cycles to extend life and maintain filtration.
- Keep a “grab-and-go” stash near doorways or car compartments.
- Track stock levels weekly so you can reorder before supplies drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I reuse disposable masks?
Follow health authority guidance. Many recommend single use or limited reuse with proper storage and time gaps.
What about respirators (KN95/N95)?
Adjust mask duration and box size to match respirator specs. They typically last longer but cost more per unit.
How do I handle office mask rules?
Add additional hours or masks if workplaces require multiple changes per shift or separate indoor/outdoor masks.
Can I plan for supply disruptions?
Yes—extend the planning horizon to 60–90 days or keep a small emergency stash in another location.