Electricity Calculator
Common Appliance Wattages
Average Rates
Related Calculators
Understanding Electricity Costs
How Electricity is Measured
Electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh equals using 1,000 watts of power for one hour. Your electric bill shows total kWh used and the rate per kWh.
Cost Formula
Appliance Power Consumption
| Appliance | Watts | Typical Hours/Day | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Light Bulb | 10 | 5 | $0.18 |
| Desktop Computer | 200 | 8 | $5.76 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 24 | $12.96 |
| Window AC Unit | 1200 | 8 | $34.56 |
| Electric Dryer | 3000 | 1 | $10.80 |
| Space Heater | 1500 | 8 | $43.20 |
*Based on $0.12/kWh
Energy-Saving Tips
Quick Wins
- Switch to LED bulbs (save 75%)
- Unplug devices when not in use
- Use smart power strips
- Adjust thermostat 2-3 degrees
- Wash clothes in cold water
Bigger Investments
- Upgrade to Energy Star appliances
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Add insulation to your home
- Consider solar panels
- Seal air leaks around windows
Understanding Your Bill
- kWh Used: Total energy consumed during billing period
- Rate per kWh: Price charged per kilowatt-hour (varies by provider)
- Demand Charge: Fee based on peak usage (commercial accounts)
- Base Charge: Fixed monthly fee regardless of usage
- Time-of-Use: Higher rates during peak hours (if applicable)
Phantom Load
Many devices consume power even when "off." TVs, gaming consoles, phone chargers, and computers in standby mode can add up to 10% of your electric bill. Use power strips to easily cut power to multiple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my electricity cost?
Multiply the device's wattage by hours of daily use, then by 30 days, divide by 1000 to get kWh, and multiply by your electricity rate. Formula: (Watts x Hours x Days) / 1000 x Rate = Monthly Cost.
What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
A kilowatt-hour is the standard unit for measuring electricity consumption. One kWh equals using 1,000 watts of power for one hour. For example, a 100-watt light bulb running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh.
What appliances use the most electricity?
The biggest electricity users are typically air conditioning/heating (40-50% of bills), water heaters, clothes dryers, and electric ovens. Space heaters, pool pumps, and older refrigerators also consume significant power.
How can I reduce my electricity bill?
Switch to LED bulbs, unplug devices when not in use, use smart power strips, adjust your thermostat 2-3 degrees, wash clothes in cold water, and upgrade to Energy Star appliances. These changes can reduce bills by 10-25%.