Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate energy consumption and estimate electricity bills for multiple appliances.
How to Use This Calculator
Our electricity cost calculator helps you estimate your energy bills by tracking the consumption of all your appliances. Follow these steps:
- Enter the names and power consumption (in watts) of your appliances
- Specify how many hours per day and days per month each appliance is used
- Enter your electricity rate in dollars per kilowatt-hour ($/kWh)
- View the total energy consumption and cost on the Results tab
Understanding Electricity Costs
Electricity costs are calculated using this formula:
Cost = Power (kW) × Time (hours) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)
Where:
- Power in kilowatts = Watts ÷ 1000
- Time in hours = Hours per day × Days per month
- Electricity rate = Dollar cost per kilowatt-hour
Typical Appliance Power Consumption
Here are average power ratings for common household appliances:
| Appliance | Power (W) | Usage Pattern | Cost per Month* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 150-400 | 24h/day (cycles on/off) | $16-$43 |
| Air Conditioner (window) | 500-1500 | 8h/day, 30d/month | $18-$54 |
| Electric Water Heater | 3000-4500 | 3h/day, 30d/month | $40-$60 |
| Washing Machine | 400-1300 | 1h/day, 15d/month | $0.90-$2.90 |
| Clothes Dryer | 3000-5000 | 1h/day, 15d/month | $6.75-$11.25 |
| Dishwasher | 1200-1500 | 1h/day, 30d/month | $5.40-$6.75 |
| LED TV (50") | 80-100 | 5h/day, 30d/month | $1.80-$2.25 |
| Desktop Computer | 200-400 | 4h/day, 30d/month | $3.60-$7.20 |
| Laptop | 50-100 | 4h/day, 30d/month | $0.90-$1.80 |
| Microwave | 1000-1500 | 0.5h/day, 30d/month | $2.25-$3.40 |
| Electric Oven | 2000-5000 | 1h/day, 15d/month | $4.50-$11.25 |
| LED Light Bulb | 8-15 | 5h/day, 30d/month | $0.18-$0.34 |
*Costs calculated at average rate of $0.15/kWh. Your actual costs may vary based on your electricity rate.
Tips to Reduce Your Electricity Bill
Appliance Usage
- Unplug devices when not in use to avoid phantom power
- Use large appliances during off-peak hours (if your utility offers time-of-use rates)
- Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full
- Air-dry clothes when possible instead of using a dryer
- Use power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once
Energy Efficiency
- Replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR certified models
- Switch to LED lighting throughout your home
- Install programmable thermostats to optimize heating/cooling
- Improve insulation to reduce heating and cooling needs
- Use ceiling fans to reduce air conditioning use
Understanding Your Electricity Bill
Modern electricity bills often include several components:
- Energy charge: The cost of the actual electricity consumed ($/kWh)
- Demand charge: For commercial customers, based on peak power demand ($/kW)
- Service charge: Fixed fee for maintaining your connection
- Taxes and fees: Various regional and regulatory charges
This calculator focuses on the energy charge, which is typically the largest component of residential bills.
Limitations of This Calculator
While our calculator provides a good estimate of electricity costs, be aware of these limitations:
- It doesn't account for variable electricity rates (time-of-use pricing)
- Actual appliance power can vary based on settings and efficiency
- Standby power consumption isn't factored in for devices not fully turned off
- Weather-dependent usage (like heating/cooling) can vary significantly
- The calculator doesn't include fixed charges on your electricity bill
Want to Know How Much Power Your Devices Use?
Check out our kW to kWh Calculator to better understand energy consumption.
Rates are approximate and may vary. Check your bill for accurate rates.