Free water footprint calculator. Measure your direct and virtual water consumption including indoor use, outdoor use, and embedded water in food and products. Get personalized tips to reduce water usage and compare to national and global averages.
Virtual water is the hidden water used to produce the food you eat, clothes you wear, and products you buy. This is often the largest part of your water footprint!
This calculator estimates your total water footprint including direct use (tap water) and indirect/virtual water (embedded in food and goods). Results show gallons per day compared to US and global averages.
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Do you know how much water you really use? Beyond your tap water, there's a hidden 'virtual water' footprint in everything you eat, wear, and buy. Our water footprint calculator measures your complete water consumption—both direct and indirect—and helps you discover where the biggest savings opportunities lie.
Your water footprint is the total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services you consume. It includes three types: blue water (surface and groundwater), green water (rainwater stored in soil), and grey water (polluted water). The average American uses about 1,800 gallons per day when virtual water is included—far more than the 80-100 gallons from direct household use.
Water Footprint Formula
Total = Indoor (Direct) + Outdoor (Direct) + Virtual (Food, Goods)Discover that your shower is just a fraction of your water use—most is hidden in your diet and purchases.
Learn which changes make the biggest difference, from fixing leaks to adjusting your diet.
With water scarcity affecting billions, knowing your footprint helps you contribute to the solution.
See how your usage stacks up against US averages, global averages, and efficient targets.
People wanting to reduce their environmental impact and track water conservation efforts.
Homeowners in water-restricted areas looking to meet conservation targets and avoid penalties.
Teachers using the calculator to illustrate the concept of virtual water and sustainable consumption.
Consultants helping organizations measure and reduce water footprints across operations.
Virtual water (also called embedded or hidden water) is the water used to produce everything you consume. For example, 1 lb of beef requires about 1,800 gallons of water; a cotton t-shirt needs 700 gallons; a cup of coffee requires 37 gallons. This virtual water typically accounts for 95% of your total water footprint.