Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate exactly how much any device or appliance costs to run per hour, day, month, and year based on wattage and your electricity rate.
Calculate Running Cost
Enter device wattage, hours of daily use, and electricity rate to find running costs.
How to Calculate Electricity Cost from Watts
To calculate electricity cost, multiply the device wattage by hours of use, divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours (kWh), then multiply by your electricity rate:
Scenario: A 1,500W space heater runs 8 hours/day at $0.12/kWh
Daily Cost = 12 × $0.12 = $1.44
Monthly Cost = $1.44 × 30 = $43.20/month
Yearly Cost = $1.44 × 365 = $525.60/year
Average Electricity Rates by Country
| Country | Avg. Rate ($/kWh) | 1,000W for 8 hrs/day (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | $0.16 | $38.40 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | $0.34 | $81.60 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | $0.40 | $96.00 |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | $0.26 | $62.40 |
| 🇮🇳 India | $0.08 | $19.20 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | $0.13 | $31.20 |
Common Appliance Running Costs
Energy: 2.4 kWh/month | Monthly Cost: $0.38 / month ($4.67/year).
Estimated monthly costs based on typical usage patterns at $0.12/kWh:
| Appliance | Watts | Daily Hours | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Bulb | 10 W | 8 hrs | $0.29 |
| Laptop | 65 W | 8 hrs | $1.87 |
| Television | 150 W | 5 hrs | $2.70 |
| Refrigerator | 150 W | 24 hrs | $12.96 |
| Space Heater | 1,500 W | 8 hrs | $43.20 |
| Air Conditioner | 3,000 W | 8 hrs | $86.40 |
| Electric Oven | 2,500 W | 1 hr | $9.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Electricity Costs
How much does it cost to run a 1,500 watt heater for 24 hours?
At $0.12/kWh, a 1,500W heater costs $4.32 per 24 hours. Calculation: (1,500 × 24) ÷ 1,000 = 36 kWh × $0.12 = $4.32. Monthly (30 days): $129.60. Rates vary — at $0.16/kWh, the same heater costs $5.76/day.
How do I find my electricity rate?
Your electricity rate is on your utility bill, typically listed as "price per kWh" or "energy charge." In the US, the average residential rate is approximately $0.16/kWh. Some utilities use tiered pricing where the rate increases as usage rises. Check your bill for the exact rate.
What uses the most electricity in a home?
Heating and cooling systems use the most electricity (40-50% of total), followed by water heating (14-18%), then large appliances like refrigerators and dryers (10-15%). After these, lighting (5-10%) and electronics (5-10%) make up the rest.
How many kWh does a house use per month?
The average US household uses approximately 886 kWh per month (about 29.5 kWh per day). This varies widely: small apartments may use 400-600 kWh, while large houses with electric heating can use 1,500-3,000 kWh per month.
Does leaving things plugged in use electricity?
Yes, many devices draw "standby" or "phantom" power when plugged in but not actively used. TVs, game consoles, chargers, and microwaves can draw 1-15W each in standby. Total standby load for a typical home is 40-100W, costing $35-90 per year.
How do I calculate kWh from watts?
kWh = Watts × Hours ÷ 1,000. A 100W device running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh (100 × 10 ÷ 1,000). A 2,000W oven running for 30 minutes uses 1 kWh (2,000 × 0.5 ÷ 1,000).