How many washers and dryers does your facility actually need? Size it in 60 seconds with real UniMac planning data.
This is the same sizing engine that runs on every UniMac product page on our site — throughput, moisture load, dryer-to-washer ratio, water use, and machine count — built on the UniMac / Alliance Laundry Systems planning method. Pick a machine type and capacity below, set your facility, and it computes live. No email required, no signup.
Start here: enter your beds or rooms and the calculator works backwards to real UniMac equipment combinations from our live-priced catalog — how many machines, what capacity, and what the equipment costs.
Already have a machine in mind? Pick it and see its throughput, moisture load, water use, and how many your facility needs.
Pounds per shift = rated capacity × loads per hour × shift hours. Loads per hour follows the Alliance planning method (UW pocket hardmounts 1.2–2.0 by soil level; UC, UY, and UST 1.0–1.5). Dryer capacity should exceed washer capacity — 2:1 at 100 G extract, 1.5:1 at 200 G, 1.25:1 at 300–400 G — because drying runs longer than washing. The full method, with worked hotel and nursing-home examples, is published on our laundry sizing method page.
Plan about 14 lb of laundry per occupied room per day (add ~3 lb per room for duvet and pillow programs). A 100-room hotel at full occupancy generates roughly 9,800 lb per week — at 49 operating hours and 1.2 loads per hour (the cabinet/softmount planning rate) that takes about 167 lb of washer capacity, typically two 85 lb washer-extractors with matched dryers.
Plan about 16 lb per bed per day for long-term care, and about 20 lb per bed for hospitals. A 50-bed nursing home works out to roughly 5,600 lb per week — typically a pair of 45 lb washers with 55–75 lb dryers, depending on infection-control workflow.
Bigger than the washer. At a 200 G extract, plan 1.5 lb of dryer capacity per pound of washer capacity; at 400 G, 1.25:1 still applies but the dryer works less because high-G extraction leaves up to 19.5 lb less water in a 65 lb terry load.
The formulas and figures follow the UniMac / Alliance Laundry Systems planning method, and we publish the entire method so you can check our work. It gets you a defensible starting point; a real quote needs your floor plan, utilities, and linen program.
We are the authorized UniMac dealer for New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, New York City, and Delaware — equipment with live pricing on this site, plus installation, service, and preventative maintenance. Browse equipment with live prices, or call (732) 681-0500 for a free site assessment.
Effective Date: March 2026
Last Updated: August 27, 2026
