School supplies cost calculator 2026

It depends on the education level and what you buy. As a guide, supplies and textbooks alone run about PLN 250 for a pre-schooler, PLN 600 for grades 1-3, PLN 900 for grades 4-8 and PLN 1100 for high school or technical school. Adding clothing and electronics raises the figure significantly.

The base is the cost of supplies and textbooks for the chosen education level. You can optionally add clothing (around +PLN 400 per child) and electronics such as a laptop or tablet (+PLN 1200 per child). Finally it subtracts the Dobry Start allowance if it applies.

Yes. If the child attends from grade 1 of primary school, the calculator subtracts PLN 300 per child (the Dobry Start allowance) from the total cost, showing the real out-of-pocket amount after the benefit.

The Dobry Start (300+) allowance is granted to school pupils from grade 1 of primary school up to age 20. Children in pre-school or the reception year are not covered, so the allowance is PLN 0 for the pre-school level.

The calculator multiplies the per-child cost by the number of children. The Dobry Start allowance is also multiplied — PLN 300 for each eligible child, where the chosen education level qualifies.

No. They are averaged guideline values for 2026. Actual costs depend on the region, the specific school requirements, brands, and whether textbooks are subsidised or second-hand. Treat the result as a budgeting starting point.

The calculator assumes roughly PLN 1200 per child when the electronics option is selected — an average for a basic laptop, tablet or graphing calculator. In practice it can be lower (cheaper devices) or much higher (premium gear).

Buy early during back-to-school promotions, use second-hand textbooks and parent swaps, choose supplies without licensed characters, and spread larger purchases (e.g. electronics) over several months. The Dobry Start allowance further reduces the burden.