Electricity Cost Calculator
This electricity cost calculator estimates appliance running costs by wattage, usage hours, and rate. See daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly breakdowns.
About Electricity Cost Calculator
This electricity cost calculator helps you estimate how much it costs to run any electrical appliance or device. Enter the wattage, daily usage hours, and your electricity rate to see a complete cost breakdown across daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly periods.
How It Works
The calculator converts watts to kilowatt-hours (kWh) based on your usage pattern, then multiplies by your electricity rate to determine cost. The formula is straightforward: (Watts x Hours per Day) / 1,000 = daily kWh, then daily kWh x rate = daily cost. Costs for longer periods are extrapolated from the daily figure.
Appliance Presets
Choose from common household appliances with pre-filled wattage values, including light bulbs, air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, and more. These presets use typical wattage values and can be customized to match your specific appliances.
Compare Multiple Appliances
Add multiple appliance rows to compare electricity costs side by side. This is useful for deciding between appliances, auditing your home energy usage, or identifying which devices contribute most to your electricity bill. A running total shows your combined energy expenses.
Common Use Cases
- Estimating the monthly cost of running an air conditioner or space heater
- Comparing energy costs between old and new appliances before purchasing
- Auditing your household electricity consumption by device
- Calculating whether solar panels or energy-efficient upgrades are worth the investment
If you need to convert between watts and amps for your appliances, the Watts to Amps Calculator is a handy companion. For estimating trip expenses instead, try the Fuel Cost Calculator. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No data is stored or transmitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the electricity cost of an appliance?
Multiply the appliance wattage by hours of daily use to get watt-hours, divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours (kWh), then multiply by your electricity rate per kWh. For example, a 100W TV used 5 hours a day at $0.12/kWh costs 0.5 kWh x $0.12 = $0.06 per day.
What is the average electricity rate in the United States?
The average residential electricity rate in the US is approximately $0.12 to $0.16 per kWh, though it varies significantly by state and provider. Check your utility bill for your exact rate, which is typically listed as a per-kWh charge.
How can I reduce my electricity costs?
Use energy-efficient appliances (look for ENERGY STAR ratings), switch to LED lighting, unplug devices when not in use, use smart power strips, adjust thermostat settings, and run large appliances during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing.
What is the difference between watts and kilowatt-hours?
Watts (W) measure the rate of power consumption at any instant, while kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure total energy consumed over time. A 1,000W appliance running for 1 hour uses 1 kWh. Your electricity bill charges you per kWh consumed.