Calculate appliance energy costs and estimate your electric bill
Found on appliance label
US average: $0.15/kWh
Monthly Cost
$0.00
Daily usage: 0 kWh
Daily Cost
$0.00
Weekly Cost
$0.00
Annual Cost
$0.00
Monthly kWh
0
An electricity cost calculator is a tool that helps you estimate how much it costs to operate electrical appliances. It calculates energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and converts that into dollar costs based on your electricity rate.
Understanding your electricity costs helps you identify which appliances are driving up your electric bill. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about energy usage and find ways to reduce consumption.
The calculator is valuable for evaluating new appliance purchases, understanding the cost of leaving devices on, and identifying opportunities to save on your monthly utility bill.
Calculating electricity cost involves three steps:
Daily kWh = (Watts × Hours Per Day) ÷ 1000
Daily Cost = Daily kWh × Electricity Rate
Monthly Cost = Daily Cost × 30
Annual Cost = Daily Cost × 365
Monthly kWh = Daily kWh × 30
1,500-watt space heater used 5 hours/day at $0.15/kWh:
| Wattage | 1,500 watts |
| Hours Per Day | 5 hours |
| Electricity Rate | $0.15/kWh |
| Daily kWh | 7.5 kWh |
| Daily Cost | $1.13 |
| Weekly Cost | $7.88 |
| Monthly Cost | $33.75 |
| Annual Cost | $410.63 |
kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the standard unit of electrical energy used by utility companies. One kWh represents using 1,000 watts of power for one hour. Your electric bill is calculated based on the number of kWh you consume.
To put this in perspective: a 100-watt light bulb running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh. A 1,500-watt space heater running for 1 hour uses 1.5 kWh. Understanding kWh helps you interpret your electric bill and calculate appliance costs.
The average US home uses about 900 kWh per month, costing roughly $135 at $0.15/kWh. Energy-intensive homes in extreme climates can use 2,000+ kWh monthly.
Electricity rates vary significantly by location. The US average is about $0.15 per kWh, but rates range from $0.09 in some states to $0.30+ in others like Hawaii and California.
Factors affecting electricity rates:
Check your electric bill for your exact rate. Many utilities show both the rate and total kWh used.
Different appliances consume vastly different amounts of electricity. Here are common appliance wattages:
| Appliance | Typical Wattage |
|---|---|
| LED Light Bulb | 10 watts |
| LCD TV | 50-150 watts |
| Refrigerator | 150-400 watts |
| Desktop Computer | 200-500 watts |
| Microwave | 700-1,200 watts |
| Space Heater | 1,500 watts |
| Air Conditioner | 1,000-3,500 watts |
| Clothes Dryer | 3,000-5,000 watts |
Daily electricity cost shows the immediate impact of your usage. Monthly cost provides a broader view for budgeting. Understanding both helps you manage your energy consumption effectively.
Here's how a 1,500-watt appliance used 5 hours daily at $0.15/kWh costs over time: