OTHER · ELECTRICITY COST
Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate how much a device costs to run per day, month, and year. Enter wattage, daily hours, and your electricity rate — defaults to the US average of $0.16/kWh.
About This Calculator
Find out exactly what any appliance or device costs to run. Enter the wattage (printed on the device label or found in the manual), how many hours per day you use it, and your local electricity rate. The calculator shows cost per day, month, and year — and defaults to the US average rate of $0.16/kWh so you can start estimating right away.
How It Works
The calculator converts Watts to kilowatt-hours (kWh), then multiplies by your electricity rate. Energy (kWh) = Power (W) ÷ 1000 × Hours. Cost = kWh × $/kWh. Monthly cost uses your chosen days-per-month; annual cost uses 365 days. Adjust the rate field to match your utility bill — rates vary from roughly $0.08/kWh (Pacific Northwest) to $0.30+/kWh (Hawaii, California).
The Formula
kWh/day = (W ÷ 1000) × hours Cost/month = kWh/day × days × rate Cost/year = kWh/day × 365 × rate
- W
- device power consumption in Watts
- hours
- daily usage in hours
- rate
- electricity rate in $/kWh
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do I find the wattage of my device?
- Check the label on the back or bottom of the device, the product manual, or the manufacturer's website. If you see 'max' wattage, use that for a worst-case estimate. Smart plugs with energy monitors (like Kasa or Emporia) can measure actual draw in real time.
- What is the average electricity rate in the US?
- The US residential average is about $0.16 per kWh (EIA, 2024), but it varies widely by state — from around $0.08/kWh in Louisiana to over $0.30/kWh in Hawaii and parts of California. Check your utility bill for your exact rate.
- How do I find my rate on my electricity bill?
- Look for a line item labeled 'energy charge', 'kWh rate', or 'usage charge'. Divide your total bill amount by the total kWh used in that billing period for a blended effective rate.
- How much does it cost to run a TV for a year?
- A modern 55-inch LED TV uses about 80–120 watts. At 4 hours/day and $0.16/kWh, a 100W TV costs about $0.016/day × 365 = roughly $5.80/year. Use the calculator with your TV's actual wattage and viewing hours for an accurate estimate.
- How do I calculate kWh from watts?
- Divide watts by 1,000 and multiply by hours: kWh = (Watts ÷ 1000) × hours. A 1,000W (1 kW) device running for 1 hour uses exactly 1 kWh.