Electricity Cost Calculator
Find what any appliance costs to run per day, month and year from its wattage, daily hours and your electricity rate. Example: a 1,500 watt heater run 8 hours a day at $0.17 per kWh uses 12 kWh and costs $2.04 a day, or $61.20 a month.
Show steps
How to use the Electricity Cost Calculator
- Find the watts on the appliance label.
- Enter the hours it runs each day and your price per kWh.
- Press Calculate for daily, monthly and yearly cost.
Formula and method
Energy (kWh) = watts x hours / 1,000. Cost = kWh x price per kWh. Multiply by days to get monthly or yearly cost.
Worked example: a 1,500 W heater
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| kWh per day (1,500 x 8 / 1,000) | 12 kWh |
| Cost per day (12 x $0.17) | $2.04 |
| Cost per month (30 days) | $61.20 |
| Cost per year | $744.60 |
Cost to run common devices for 1 hour at $0.17 per kWh
| Device | Watts | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| LED bulb | 10 | $0.002 |
| Laptop | 60 | $0.010 |
| Refrigerator (average) | 150 | $0.026 |
| Television | 100 | $0.017 |
| Window air conditioner | 1000 | $0.170 |
| Space heater | 1500 | $0.255 |
| Clothes dryer | 3000 | $0.510 |
Lowering your bill
Use efficient appliances, unplug idle electronics, run heavy loads off-peak if your plan has time-of-use pricing, and compare your rate with the US average on the EIA website.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate electricity cost?
Multiply watts by hours, divide by 1,000 for kWh, then multiply by the price per kWh.
What is a kWh?
One kilowatt of power used for one hour.
What is the average electricity rate?
Around 15 to 20 cents per kWh in the US, depending on the state.
How do I find an appliance’s watts?
Check the label, or multiply volts by amps.
Why is my real cost lower?
Many devices cycle on and off, so they do not draw full power continuously.
How much does a space heater cost to run?
About $0.26 per hour at 1,500 watts and $0.17 per kWh.
Sources
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