How do I calculate my electricity cost?

Multiply the appliance wattage by hours used, then divide by 1000 to get kWh. Multiply kWh by your electricity rate to get cost. For example, a 100W device used 8 hours costs: (100 x 8) / 1000 x $0.12 = $0.096 per day.

What is the average electricity cost per kWh?

The US average electricity rate is about $0.12-0.15 per kWh, but it varies significantly by state. Hawaii has the highest rates around $0.32/kWh, while Louisiana has some of the lowest at $0.08/kWh.

Which appliances use the most electricity?

High-energy appliances include air conditioners (500-1500W), space heaters (1000-1500W), hair dryers (1000-1800W), and electric dryers (2000-5000W). Refrigerators run constantly so they also add up despite lower wattage.

Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate how much your appliances cost to run

Power Consumption

watts

Check the appliance label or manual

Hours Used Per Day

hours

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

US average: $0.12-0.15/kWh

Embed this calculator

Common Appliance Wattages

LED Bulb: 8-12 watts
Laptop: 30-70 watts
Desktop Computer: 100-300 watts
TV (LED): 30-100 watts
Refrigerator: 100-400 watts
Air Conditioner (window): 500-1500 watts
Space Heater: 1000-1500 watts
Hair Dryer: 1000-1800 watts
Microwave: 600-1200 watts
Washing Machine: 350-500 watts

Energy Saving Tips

Switch to LED bulbs - use 75% less energy than incandescent
Unplug devices when not in use (standby power adds up)
Use smart power strips to eliminate phantom loads
Set AC 2-3 degrees higher in summer
Run dishwasher and laundry with full loads

Did You Know?

A 'phantom load' from devices on standby costs the average home $100-200 per year.
LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent and last 25 times longer.
The US average electricity rate is $0.12/kWh, but ranges from $0.08 (Louisiana) to $0.32 (Hawaii).

Created by

The Ugly Empire Team

Software engineers and data specialists with backgrounds in financial services, mathematics, and educational technology. Our team builds tools using industry-standard formulas verified against authoritative sources.

Last reviewed: January 2026

Regular accuracy audits

Formulas from authoritative sources

Privacy-first: calculations run locally

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, legal, medical, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for important decisions. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee results will match real-world outcomes due to varying factors and individual circumstances.

Electricity Cost Calculator

Common Appliance Wattages

Energy Saving Tips

Did You Know?

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