Eli5 How does a washing machine determine what the water level needs to be when filling a load?

Question

For instance if I throw a couple of things in, it only fills the bottom with water, but if I completely fill the machine it fills all of the way up.

In: 2

Answer 1

New machines have sensors that determine how much weight is inside. Less clothes equals less water. If you use a washer from before the 2000’s then you’ll probably use a whole load of water every time.