Electricity cost calculator
Find the wattage on the appliance’s label, estimate how many hours a day it runs, and enter the rate from your electric bill.
Cost per month
$32.85
- Per day
- $1.08
- Per year
- $394.20
- Energy per day
- 6 kWh
- Energy per year
- 2,190 kWh
How it works
Energy use is watts × hours ÷ 1,000, which gives kilowatt-hours (kWh), the unit on your electric bill. Multiply by your rate per kWh to get the cost. A month here is an average month: a year divided by 12.
Example
With power draw 1,500 watts, hours used per day 4 hours, number of devices 1, electricity rate 0.18 $/kWh, the answer is $32.85 .
Tips before you buy
- Appliances that cycle on and off, like refrigerators and space heaters on a thermostat, don’t draw full power all day. Estimate the hours they actually run.
- For the most accurate number, a plug-in electricity meter shows exactly what a device uses over a day or a week.
- If your utility charges different rates by time of day, use the rate for the hours the device usually runs.
Common questions
How much does it cost to run a 1,500 watt space heater?
At $0.18 per kWh, about 27 cents an hour, or $1.08 for four hours.
What is a kilowatt-hour?
The energy used by a 1,000 watt device running for one hour. It’s the unit your utility bills you in.
How do I find my electricity rate?
Look on your electric bill for the price per kWh. Add up the per-kWh charges if your bill splits supply and delivery.