The Electricity Calculator estimates the energy use and running cost of an appliance from its power rating, daily hours of use and the electricity price.
Cost: $0.51 per day, $186.15 per year
| Energy per day | 3 kWh |
| Cost per day | $0.51 |
| Cost per month | $15.51 |
| Cost per year | $186.15 |
| Energy per year | 1,095 kWh |
Electric bills charge for energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh is 1,000 watts used for one hour. Energy (kWh) = power (W) × hours ÷ 1,000; cost = energy × price per kWh.
Worked example (defaults): a 1,000 W heater used 3 hours a day uses 3 kWh daily; at $0.17 per kWh that is $0.51 a day or about $186 a year.
Air conditioner (window unit): about 1,000 W; Air conditioner (HVAC): about 3,500 W; Heater (portable): about 1,500 W; Refrigerator: about 150 W; Microwave: about 1,100 W; Clothes dryer: about 3,000 W; Washing machine: about 500 W; Dishwasher: about 1,800 W; Television: about 100 W; Laptop: about 50 W; Desktop computer: about 200 W; LED light bulb: about 10 W; Ceiling fan: about 75 W; Electric vehicle charger (level 2): about 7,200 W; Hair dryer: about 1,500 W; Water heater: about 4,000 W. Check the label or manual for your exact model; many appliances cycle on and off, so real use can be lower.
Heating, cooling and water heating are usually the biggest users. Use LED bulbs, smart thermostats, efficient appliances (ENERGY STAR), unplug devices with standby draw, and run washers and dishwashers with full loads, off-peak if you have time-of-use rates.
What is the average U.S. electricity price? Roughly 15–18 cents per kWh, higher in some states.
What is the difference between kW and kWh? kW is power; kWh is energy used over time.
How much does an EV cost to charge? About 30 kWh per 100 miles.