Toothpaste Calculator

Avoid morning surprises—plan toothpaste purchases by tracking brushing frequency, pea-size amounts, and tube sizes.

Dentists recommend twice daily.

1 pea ≈ 0.25 g. Kids may use 0.5; adults sometimes use 1.5.

Usage Overview

Per brush

0.25 g

Daily usage

1.5 g

0.015 tubes/day

Tube lasts

66.7 days

0.45 tubes/month

Budget impact: $2.03 per month ($24.64 per year). Buying multi-packs can cut the cost per tube.

How to Use This Calculator

1

Measure real usage

Squeeze your usual amount onto a spoon, weigh it, and compare to the recommended pea-sized reference.

2

Track brushing frequency

Adjust brushing counts for orthodontic routines, mid-day cleans, or kids who brush after lunch.

3

Plan purchases

Use tube lifespan and monthly tube count to set up deliveries or store runs before you run dry.

Formula

Gram/Brush = Pea Multiples × 0.25 g

Daily Grams = People × Brushes × Gram/Brush

Tube Lifespan (days) = Tube Size ÷ Daily Grams

Tubes/Month = (Daily Grams × 30) ÷ Tube Size

Example: 3 people × 2 brushes × 0.25 g = 1.5 g/day. A 100 g tube lasts ~66 days.

Toothpaste Efficiency Tips

Dentists recommend a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for adults. Kids under 3 should use a rice-grain smear.

  • Roll tubes from the bottom or use squeezers to avoid waste.
  • Share multi-packs across bathrooms to reduce per-tube cost.
  • Store tubes upright to keep paste near the cap for easy dispensing.
  • Track expiration dates—older fluoride products may lose potency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pea-sized recommendation accurate?

Yes, ADA guidance says a pea (~0.25 g) is sufficient for adults. Ads often show more but that’s mostly marketing foam.

Do electric toothbrushes use more paste?

Not inherently. Use the same amount regardless of brush type—focus on technique and timed brushing.

How do travel tubes factor in?

Enter smaller tube sizes to see how many days they last. A 28 g travel tube typically covers a long weekend for two people.

Can I account for mouthwash or floss costs?

This calculator focuses on toothpaste. Combine with other hygiene calculators or budget tools for a full oral-care overview.