Utility Rate & Power Cost

Electricity Cost Calculator (Watts/kWh to Dollar Cost)

Home budgeting, identifying high-energy-cost appliances. Calculates running cost per hour, per day, per month, and per year from appliance wattage and local electricity rate ($/kWh), featuring pre-loaded US State and international electricity rates.

Electricity Cost Calculator (Watts/kWh to Dollar Cost)
Watts
Hours
$/kWh
Calculated Result
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Instant Calculation
Engineering Output
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Auxiliary Output
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Step-by-Step Derivation ▼ Show Steps
Governing Formula Verified Physics
Cost ($) = (Watts × Hours/day × 30 / 1000) × ($/kWh Rate)

Calculations adhere to standard electrical engineering physics and National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) regulations.

Engineering Principles & Calculations

This calculator uses the exact mathematical relationships between Device Power (Watts / kW), Daily Operating Hours (hrs/day), Utility Rate ($/kWh - default $0.16/kWh) to determine Cost per Hour, Cost per Day, Cost per Month, Cost per Year ($). In practical installations, factors such as ambient raceway temperature, harmonic distortion, duty cycle continuous operation, and conductor impedance must be accounted for by a certified electrician.

Calculates running cost per hour, per day, per month, and per year from appliance wattage and local electricity rate ($/kWh), featuring pre-loaded US State and international electricity rates.

Typical Application & Industry Guidelines

Home budgeting, identifying high-energy-cost appliances.

Reference Matrix

Electricity Cost Calculator (Watts/kWh to Dollar Cost) Benchmark Lookup Table

Device & WattageDaily RuntimeMonthly kWhMonthly Cost @ .16/kWh
60W Equivalent LED Bulb (9W)6 Hours / Day1.6 kWh.26 / month
Desktop Gaming PC (400W)6 Hours / Day72.0 kWh.52 / month
Refrigerator (150W avg cycle)24 Hours / Day108.0 kWh.28 / month
Space Heater 1500W8 Hours / Day360.0 kWh.60 / month
Central Air Conditioner (3500W)8 Hours / Day840.0 kWh.40 / month
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate the cost of running an appliance? +
Multiply the device wattage by hours used per day, divide by 1,000 to get daily kWh, and multiply by your utility's electricity rate ($/kWh).
What is the average electricity cost in the US? +
As of 2026, the US national average residential electricity rate is approximately .16 to .17 per kilowatt-hour, ranging from .11 in Utah to over .35 in California and Hawaii.
How much does a 1500W heater cost to run for 24 hours? +
1.5 kW × 24 hours = 36 kWh. At .16/kWh, that equals .76 per day (.80 per month).

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