Where do I find the wattage?
Check the label on the appliance or its manual. It is usually listed in watts (W).
Lifestyle
Electricity Cost Calculator
Enter the wattage, daily usage hours, and your electricity rate to see daily, monthly, and yearly cost estimates.
Live calculator output
Enter wattage, usage, and rate to see the cost estimate.
How it works
The formula converts watts to kilowatts, multiplies by hours used, then multiplies by the electricity price per kWh: Daily Cost = (Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours × Price per kWh.
Monthly and yearly estimates scale the daily cost by 30 and 365 days respectively. This is the same calculation your utility company uses to determine your electricity bill.
Practical example
A 1,500W space heater used 4 hours per day at 0.12/kWh: Daily cost = (1,500 ÷ 1,000) × 4 × 0.12 = 0.72. Monthly = 21.60. Yearly = 262.80.
An LED bulb (10W) used 8 hours/day costs only 0.35/month — showing why switching from incandescent (60W) saves over 2/month per bulb. Running costs add up quickly with high-wattage appliances.
Frequently asked questions
What is a kWh?
A kilowatt-hour is the energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour.
Does this include standby power?
No. This only calculates cost while the appliance is actively running.
What is an average electricity rate?
US average is about 0.12-0.16/kWh. European rates are generally higher at 0.20-0.40/kWh. Check your utility bill for your exact rate.
Which appliances use the most electricity?
HVAC systems, water heaters, and electric dryers are typically the largest consumers. Space heaters and ovens also draw significant power.
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