⚡ Lifestyle

Electricity Cost Calculator — Free 2026

Estimate daily, monthly, and annual electricity costs for any appliance based on wattage and usage.

Wattage (W) Please enter a valid wattage.

Hours per Day Please enter valid hours (0-24).

Rate ($ per kWh) Please enter a valid rate.

Number of Days Please enter a valid number of days.

Electricity Cost Breakdown

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Daily Cost

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Monthly Cost (30 days)

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Annual Cost (365 days)

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kWh Used (period)

How It Works

Enter appliance wattage
Set daily usage hours
Enter your electricity rate
Read your results

Understanding Electricity Costs

Electricity is one of the most significant recurring expenses in any household or business. The average American household spends approximately $120 to $150 per month on electricity, but this varies widely depending on location, home size, climate, and energy habits. Understanding exactly how much each appliance costs to run empowers you to make smarter energy decisions and potentially save hundreds of dollars per year.

The basic unit of electricity billing is the kilowatt-hour (kWh). One kWh equals 1,000 watts of power used for one hour. Your electric utility charges you a rate per kWh consumed, which appears on your monthly bill. By knowing the wattage of your appliances and how long you run them, you can calculate the exact cost contribution of each device to your total bill.

How the Electricity Cost Formula Works

The formula is straightforward: kWh = (Watts x Hours x Days) / 1,000, and Cost = kWh x Rate. For example, a 100-watt light bulb running 8 hours per day for 30 days consumes (100 x 8 x 30) / 1,000 = 24 kWh. At $0.12 per kWh, that costs $2.88 per month. Scaling this up to a year (365 days) gives 292 kWh and $35.04 annually — just for one light bulb. Switching to a 15-watt LED that produces the same light would cost only $5.26 per year, saving you nearly $30.

This calculator shows you the daily cost for a single day of usage, the monthly cost for 30 days, and the annual cost for 365 days — regardless of the period you enter in the Days field. The kWh Used output shows consumption for your specified period. This lets you quickly compare costs across different timeframes and plan your energy budget. You can also use our percentage calculator to figure out what portion of your total electric bill each appliance represents.

Common Appliance Wattages

Knowing typical wattage values helps you estimate costs quickly. LED light bulbs use 8-15 watts, laptop computers 30-70 watts, desktop computers 100-300 watts, televisions 50-200 watts, refrigerators 100-400 watts, washing machines 400-1,400 watts, dishwashers 1,200-2,400 watts, electric ovens 2,000-5,000 watts, and central air conditioning units 3,000-5,000 watts. Keep in mind that many appliances cycle on and off, so their average consumption may be lower than their peak wattage.

Energy-Saving Strategies

Small changes in energy habits can lead to meaningful savings. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs throughout your home can save $75 or more per year. Using a smart power strip to eliminate phantom loads from electronics in standby mode saves an average of $100 annually. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees higher in summer and 2 degrees lower in winter can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. Running your dishwasher and laundry during off-peak hours, if your utility offers time-of-use pricing, can also reduce costs. Track your spending alongside other household costs using our tip calculator when dining out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate electricity cost for an appliance?

To calculate electricity cost, multiply the appliance's wattage by the hours of daily use, then divide by 1,000 to convert to kilowatt-hours (kWh). Multiply the kWh by your electricity rate (cost per kWh) and by the number of days. Formula: Cost = (Watts x Hours x Days) / 1,000 x Rate per kWh. For example, a 100-watt bulb used 8 hours a day for 30 days at $0.12/kWh costs $2.88.

What is the average electricity rate in the US?

The average residential electricity rate in the United States is approximately $0.12 to $0.16 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), though it varies significantly by state. Hawaii has the highest rates at over $0.30/kWh, while states like Louisiana and Washington have rates below $0.10/kWh. Your exact rate can be found on your monthly electricity bill from your utility provider.

What appliances use the most electricity?

The biggest electricity consumers in a typical household are: central air conditioning (3,000-5,000 watts), electric water heaters (4,000-5,500 watts), clothes dryers (2,000-5,000 watts), electric ovens (2,000-5,000 watts), and space heaters (1,000-1,500 watts). While these have high wattage, their total cost depends on usage hours. A 1,500-watt space heater running 8 hours costs more than a 5,000-watt dryer running 1 hour.

How can I reduce my electricity bill?

To reduce electricity costs: switch to LED bulbs (use 75% less energy than incandescent), unplug devices when not in use (phantom loads cost the average household $100+ per year), use a programmable thermostat (can save 10-15% on heating and cooling), wash clothes in cold water, air dry when possible, and ensure your home is properly insulated. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified appliances can also significantly reduce consumption.