Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it costs to run an appliance based on its wattage, daily usage, and your electricity rate.
Finding your appliance's wattage
Wattage is usually printed directly on the appliance's label or in its manual, often listed alongside voltage and amperage. If only amps and volts are given, wattage equals amps multiplied by volts — a useful conversion if the wattage isn't listed directly.
Many devices don't run at their maximum rated wattage continuously — a refrigerator's compressor cycles on and off rather than running constantly at full power, so its actual average consumption is typically lower than its rated wattage. This calculator assumes constant wattage during the hours entered, which works best for devices that do run steadily, like a space heater or a lamp.
Identifying your biggest energy costs
Running this calculation for your major appliances (HVAC systems, water heaters, dryers, and older refrigerators are often the biggest consumers) can reveal which devices are actually driving your electricity bill, since the difference between a low-wattage and high-wattage device run for the same hours can be substantial.
Comparing an old appliance to a newer, more efficient replacement using this same calculator can help estimate potential savings from an upgrade, based on the wattage difference between the two.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find my appliance's wattage?
Check the label on the appliance itself or its manual — if only amps and volts are listed, multiply them together to get watts.
Does this account for appliances that cycle on and off, like a refrigerator?
No — this calculator assumes constant wattage for the hours entered, which is most accurate for devices that run steadily. Cycling appliances use less energy on average than their rated wattage suggests.