Electricity Running Cost Calculator
Enter an appliance’s power in watts, how many hours a day you run it, and your electricity rate per kWh to see the daily, monthly, and yearly running cost. Use it to decide whether an old appliance is worth replacing.
Check the appliance label or manual.
Price per kWh from your bill.
Optional — identical appliances.
Result
Running this appliance for 3 hours a day costs about $0.51 per day — $15.30 a month and $186.15 a year. Appliances that run constantly are where switching to an efficient model pays back fastest.
How to save
Use your real kWh rate
Check a recent electricity bill for your exact price per kWh, including supply charges where relevant. National averages can be far from what you actually pay.
Standby power adds up
Many devices draw power even when "off." For always-plugged electronics, estimate the standby wattage and run it for 24 hours a day to see the hidden yearly cost.
Target the big, always-on loads first
Heating, cooling, fridges, and water heaters dominate most bills. Small savings on a device that runs constantly beat big savings on one you rarely use.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I calculate an appliance’s running cost?
- Cost per day = (watts ÷ 1000) × hours used per day × price per kWh. Multiply by 30 for a month and by 365 for a year.
- Where do I find an appliance’s wattage?
- Check the label on the appliance, its manual, or the manufacturer’s site. It is usually shown in watts (W); if you only see amps, multiply amps by your voltage.
- What electricity rate should I enter?
- Enter your own price per kWh from your latest bill. This calculator never assumes a rate or uses live pricing — your input drives the result.
This calculator is provided for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Results are estimates based on the values you enter. Selecting a country changes currency formatting only — no exchange rates or live prices are applied.