Updated August 15, 2026 · WattCostLab Editorial Team

Appliance Electricity Cost Calculators

Turn watts, operating time or annual kWh into a dollar estimate. Use your actual utility rate and, whenever possible, measured energy use or the appliance's EnergyGuide information.

Start here: For any plug-in device, use the Appliance Electricity Cost Calculator. For cycling equipment, a measured kWh value is often more useful than nameplate watts.
Popular appliance tools

Calculate the loads people notice on the bill

Each tool explains the formula and the input that produces the most realistic estimate.

The basic formula

Cost = (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × $/kWh

For equipment that cycles, replace maximum wattage with measured average energy use when available.

Use your real electricity rate

State averages are useful references, but your utility tariff can be different. Use Electricity Cost by State as a benchmark, then replace it with the rate on your bill.

How WattCostLab handles appliance estimates

We avoid pretending that one wattage represents every appliance. Default values are illustrative starting points. Product size, efficiency, thermostat cycling, motor speed, standby operation and user behavior can materially change actual kWh.

Primary-source approach: WattCostLab uses public energy data and measurement concepts from U.S. energy agencies and ENERGY STAR where applicable. See Sources & Data and Methodology.