Complete Guide: How to Calculate Electricity Usage Cost
An electricity usage cost calculator converts an appliance's wattage and usage pattern into its actual daily, monthly, and yearly cost on your electric bill. This free tool uses the standard kilowatt-hour (kWh) formula that utility companies use to bill you, so you can identify which appliances are driving up your energy costs.
💡 Quick Summary
Energy used (kWh) = watts × hours used ÷ 1000. Multiply that by your electricity rate ($/kWh) to get the cost, then scale up by days used per month and months per year.
Typical Wattage of Common Appliances
| Appliance | Typical Wattage |
|---|---|
| LED light bulb | 8-12 W |
| Ceiling fan | 50-100 W |
| Refrigerator | 100-400 W |
| Space heater | 1,000-1,500 W |
| Central AC unit | 3,000-5,000 W |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter your appliance's wattage rating (check the label or manual).
- Enter how many hours per day and days per month it's used.
- Enter your electricity rate in dollars per kWh from your utility bill.
- Click ⚡ Calculate Electricity Cost.
- Review your daily, monthly, and yearly costs, then use 📋 Copy Summary to save your results.
Tip: Your electricity rate can vary by time of day or season under some utility plans. Check a recent bill for your actual average rate for the most accurate estimate.