School Supply List Cost Calculator

Costs vary significantly by grade level. Elementary students typically spend $50–$150 on basic supplies, middle schoolers spend $100–$200 as specialized materials are added, and high schoolers often spend $150–$300+ including calculators and subject-specific items. The National Retail Federation estimates families spend an average of $270 per student annually, though technology requirements can push totals higher.

Late July through mid-August offers the deepest discounts as retailers compete for back-to-school shoppers. Many U.S. states also hold tax-free weekends during this period — typically in late July or early August — where school supplies, clothing, and sometimes computers are exempt from sales tax. Shopping early also ensures popular items are in stock.

It depends on the school and district. Many public schools provide some basics like textbooks and certain art materials, but families are typically responsible for personal supplies like notebooks, pens, folders, and backpacks. Some Title I schools receive additional funding and may supply more items. Always check your child's official supply list from the school before shopping.

Technology is one of the fastest-growing back-to-school expenses. Many middle and high schools now require or strongly recommend a personal laptop or tablet. Graphing calculators (required for many math courses from Grade 7+) can cost $80–$130 on their own. Check your school's specific requirements, as some districts provide 1:1 devices and others expect families to supply them.

Start by checking what you already have at home before buying new. Shop during tax-free weekends, compare prices across discount stores, dollar stores, and online retailers, and buy in bulk where practical. Buying generic or store-brand items for basics like folders and pencils can save significantly. Some community organizations and nonprofits also run school supply drives offering free supplies to families in need.

Parents often overlook index cards, sticky notes, a pencil case or pouch, highlighters, ruler, protractor, compass, and earbuds or headphones (increasingly required in tech-integrated classrooms). Gym or PE supplies — including a combination lock, appropriate shoes, and athletic clothing — are also frequently forgotten until the first week of school.

This calculator allows you to specify the number of children and applies costs across that count. For children at very different grade levels with completely different supply lists, we recommend running the calculator separately for each child to get the most accurate per-child estimate, then adding the totals together for your household budget.

In most U.S. states, school supplies are subject to standard sales tax rates — typically 4% to 10% depending on your state and locality. However, many states waive sales tax on school supplies during designated tax-free shopping weekends each August. Enter 0% in the tax rate field during those periods to see your tax-free total.