Bath vs. Shower Footprint Calculator
Compare water consumption between showering and bathing to see how much you can save.
Shower Settings
gpm (gallons/min)
minutes
Bath Settings
gallons
Gallons per session
Which uses more water: A Bath or a Shower?
It's a common debate in households everywhere. Generally, showers are more water-efficient than baths, but it heavily depends on the duration of your shower and the efficiency of your showerhead.
The Math Behind the Comparison
To calculate water usage involved:
- Shower:
Flow Rate × Duration. A standard modern showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). A 10-minute shower typically uses 25 gallons. - Bath:
Tub Capacity × Fill Percentage. A standard bathtub holds about 60-70 gallons. If you fill it halfway, you use 30-35 gallons.
Environmental Impact
Heating water requires significantly more energy than just treating and pumping it. Reducing your hot water usage reduces your carbon footprint (CO2 emissions) and lowers your utility bills. Saving just 5 gallons a day can add up to over 1,800 gallons saved per year!
Tip: You can save even more water by installing a low-flow showerhead (rated at 1.5
to 2.0 GPM) or by turning off the water while lathering (also known as a "Navy Shower").