Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate how much it costs to run any appliance. Enter wattage and usage hours to see daily, monthly, and yearly electricity costs — or compare multiple appliances side by side.

⚡ Mode

🏠 Appliance Preset

Wattage (W)

Hours Used Per Day

Electricity Rate ($/kWh)

Days Per Month

How the Electricity Cost Calculator Works

This calculator estimates the cost of running electrical appliances using a simple formula:

Cost = (Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours × Rate

Single Appliance Mode

Enter the wattage of your appliance (found on the label or in the manual), how many hours per day you use it, and your electricity rate in dollars per kilowatt-hour. The calculator shows your daily, monthly, and yearly costs plus energy consumption in kWh.

Multiple Appliances Mode

Add several appliances to see a complete cost breakdown with a visual bar chart comparing monthly costs. This is great for identifying which appliances are driving up your bill and where you can save the most.

Finding Your Electricity Rate

Check your utility bill for the per-kWh rate. The US average is about $0.16/kWh, but rates range from $0.10 in some Southern states to over $0.30 in Hawaii and parts of New England. Some utilities charge tiered rates or time-of-use pricing.

Tips for Reducing Electricity Costs

Switch to LED bulbs — they use 75% less energy than incandescent
Unplug chargers and devices when not in use to eliminate phantom loads
Use a programmable thermostat to reduce HVAC runtime
Run dishwashers and laundry during off-peak hours if on time-of-use rates
Upgrade old appliances to Energy Star certified models

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the electricity cost of an appliance?

Multiply the appliance wattage by hours used per day, divide by 1,000 to get kWh, then multiply by your electricity rate ($/kWh). For example, a 1,500W space heater used 4 hours/day at $0.16/kWh costs $0.96/day or about $28.80/month.

What is the average electricity rate in the US?

The average US residential electricity rate is approximately $0.16 per kWh as of 2025. Rates vary significantly by state — from about $0.10/kWh in states like Louisiana to over $0.30/kWh in Hawaii and Connecticut.

Which household appliances use the most electricity?

The biggest electricity consumers are typically HVAC systems (3,000–5,000W), water heaters (4,500W), clothes dryers (3,000–5,000W), electric ovens (2,000–5,000W), and space heaters (1,500W). Air conditioning alone can account for 20–30% of a home's electricity bill.

How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per month?

A typical refrigerator uses about 150W on average (cycling on and off). Running 24 hours a day at $0.16/kWh, it costs roughly $17.28 per month or $210 per year. Energy-efficient models may use significantly less.

What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh)?

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy equal to using 1,000 watts for one hour. It's how electric utilities measure and bill your electricity consumption. For example, a 100W light bulb running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh.

How can I reduce my electricity bill?

Key strategies include: switching to LED bulbs, using smart power strips to eliminate phantom loads, upgrading to Energy Star appliances, using a programmable thermostat, running major appliances during off-peak hours, and improving home insulation.

Do appliances use electricity when turned off?

Yes, many appliances draw 'phantom' or 'standby' power when plugged in but turned off. This can account for 5–10% of household electricity use. Common culprits include TVs, game consoles, chargers, and cable boxes. Smart power strips can eliminate this waste.

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