Use this free electricity cost calculator to see what any appliance costs to run per hour, day, month and year, using its wattage, your usage and your power rate.
Energy · any countryElectricity Cost Calculator
Many appliances cycle on and off, so real use can be lower than the label wattage.
Our free electricity cost calculator shows exactly what each appliance adds to your power bill, so you can spot the costly ones fast. To begin with, pick an appliance or type in its wattage. Then enter how long you use it and your electricity rate. After that, the calculator shows the cost per hour, day, month and year.
How the Electricity Cost Calculator Works
In general, power companies bill you for energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Therefore, the calculator turns watts and hours into kWh, then multiplies by your rate.
Firstly, it uses the appliance’s power rating in watts.
Then it multiplies by hours of use and divides by 1,000.
Finally, it multiplies the kWh by your price per kWh.
The formula
Cost = Watts × Hours ÷ 1,000 × Rate per kWh
Electricity Cost Calculator Examples
For example, here are three common appliances at 18 cents per kWh, so you can see the costs add up.
To illustrate, a 1,500 W heater runs 5 hours every day in winter.
- Firstly: per day 7.5 kWh
- Then: per day $1.35
- Also: per year $492.75
Similarly, a 1,000 W window unit runs 8 hours a day in summer.
- Firstly: per day 8 kWh
- Then: per day $1.44
- Also: per month 243 kWh
In contrast, a 7.2 kW charger runs 2 hours on 5 weekdays.
- Firstly: per charge 14.4 kWh
- Then: per charge $2.59
- Also: per year $675.77
Appliance Electricity Cost Table
Overall, this table uses typical wattage and daily hours at 18 cents per kWh. In addition, you can pick any of these appliances in the calculator to change the hours or rate.
| Appliance | Watts | Hours a day | kWh a month | Cost a month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED light bulb | 10 | 5 | 1.5 | $0.27 |
| Ceiling fan | 75 | 8 | 18.2 | $3.29 |
| Wi-Fi router | 10 | 24 | 7.3 | $1.31 |
| Laptop | 50 | 6 | 9.1 | $1.64 |
| Desktop computer | 200 | 4 | 24.3 | $4.38 |
| LED TV (55 in) | 100 | 5 | 15.2 | $2.74 |
| Gaming console | 150 | 3 | 13.7 | $2.46 |
| Refrigerator (average draw) | 60 | 24 | 43.8 | $7.88 |
| Microwave | 1,100 | 0.25 | 8.4 | $1.51 |
| Electric kettle | 1,500 | 0.25 | 11.4 | $2.05 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 | 1 | 73.0 | $13.14 |
| Dishwasher | 1,800 | 1 | 54.8 | $9.86 |
| Washing machine | 500 | 1 | 15.2 | $2.74 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 | 91.2 | $16.43 |
| Iron | 1,100 | 0.5 | 16.7 | $3.01 |
| Hair dryer | 1,500 | 0.25 | 11.4 | $2.05 |
| Space heater | 1,500 | 5 | 228.1 | $41.06 |
| Window AC unit | 1,000 | 8 | 243.3 | $43.80 |
| Central AC | 3,500 | 8 | 851.7 | $153.30 |
| Electric water heater | 4,000 | 3 | 365.0 | $65.70 |
| EV charger (Level 2) | 7,200 | 2 | 438.0 | $78.84 |
How to Find an Appliance’s Wattage
- The label: for instance, check the sticker or plate on the back or base.
- Volts × amps: similarly, if only amps are listed, multiply by your voltage, such as 120 V or 230 V.
- A plug-in meter: also, a cheap energy meter shows the real power a device uses.
Average Electricity Rates
For example, in the US, the Energy Information Administration expects the average home rate to be about 18.2 cents per kWh in 2026. However, rates are much higher in places such as California and Hawaii. Meanwhile, UK, European and other rates differ again, so check your latest bill for the exact price per kWh.
Ways to Cut Your Power Bill
Firstly, set your thermostat a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer, since heating and cooling cost the most. Also, swap old bulbs for LEDs and wash clothes in cold water. Finally, run big appliances at off-peak times if your plan has cheaper night rates.
How to Use This Calculator
- To begin with, choose an appliance, or enter its watts yourself.
- Then set the hours per day, days per week and how many you have.
- After that, choose your currency and enter your rate per kWh.
- Finally, press Calculate cost to see the hourly, monthly and yearly cost.
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Electricity Cost Calculator FAQs
How do I calculate electricity cost?
First of all, multiply the watts by the hours used and divide by 1,000 to get kWh. Then multiply the kWh by your rate. For example, 1,500 W for 2 hours is 3 kWh, which costs $0.54 at 18 cents.
What is a kilowatt-hour?
In short, a kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1,000 watts used for one hour. In other words, a 100 W TV running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh.
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner?
For example, a 1,000 W window unit running 8 hours a day uses about 243 kWh a month. So, at 18 cents per kWh, that is roughly $44 a month.
How much does a fridge cost to run?
Generally, a modern fridge averages about 60 W over a full day, or about 44 kWh a month. As a result, it costs around $8 a month at 18 cents per kWh.
Does standby power cost money?
Yes, chargers, TVs and consoles on standby still draw a few watts. Together, they can add $50 to $100 a year, so use a power strip to switch them off.
What is the average price of electricity in the US?
Overall, the EIA expects the average US home rate to be about 18.2 cents per kWh in 2026. However, rates vary widely, from about 11 cents in some states to over 40 cents in Hawaii.
Disclaimer: Overall, this calculator gives an estimate for general information only. Also, real use depends on settings, age and climate, and many bills add fixed charges and taxes, so check your bill for the full cost.