Electricity Cost Calculator
Formula
Cost = (Watts × Hours × Rate) ÷ 1000
Multiply the appliance wattage by hours of use per day, then by your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh), then divide by 1,000 to convert watts to kilowatts.
How to use
- Enter the appliance Wattage in watts.
- Enter how many Hours per Day it runs.
- Enter your Rate in dollars per kWh.
- Read the Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Cost.
Example
A 1,000-watt appliance running 8 hours a day at $0.12/kWh costs (1000 × 8 × 0.12) ÷ 1000 = $0.96 per day. That adds up to about $28.80 a month and $350.40 a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electricity rate?
The US average is about $0.12-0.16 per kWh, but varies significantly by state.
How many watts does a typical appliance use?
LED bulb: 10W. TV: 100W. Fridge: 150W. AC unit: 1,000-3,000W. Space heater: 1,500W.
How do I find the wattage of my appliance?
Check the label or nameplate on the appliance, usually on the back or bottom, where the power draw is listed in watts (W) or sometimes in amps. If only amps are shown, multiply amps by your voltage (about 120V in the US) to estimate watts. For appliances that cycle on and off, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, a plug-in energy monitor gives a more realistic average than the rated wattage.
Why is my actual bill higher than this estimate?
This calculator covers the running cost of one appliance, but your total bill includes every device in your home plus fixed charges like a monthly service fee, delivery or distribution charges, and taxes. Many utilities also use tiered or time-of-use rates, so the price per kWh can be higher than the single rate you entered. Treat the result as a useful estimate for comparing appliances rather than an exact prediction of your bill.