Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate the running cost of any appliance or device. Start with a preset, choose a state reference rate, then replace the examples with your actual wattage, runtime and utility tariff.

Calculate electricity cost

Device preset

Average device power (watts)

Hours used per day

State reference rate

State values are 2024 final EIA averages; the U.S. reference is 2025. Your actual tariff can differ.

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Energy/day—

Cost/day—

Cost/month—

Cost/year—

Best practice: For cycling equipment such as refrigerators and air conditioners, measured kWh or average power is usually more realistic than maximum nameplate watts.

Electricity cost formula

Cost = (Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours × Electricity rate

How to find your electricity rate

Look for the energy charge on your utility bill and convert cents per kWh to dollars per kWh. A rate of 17.3¢/kWh equals $0.173/kWh. Fixed customer charges, time-of-use pricing and taxes can make the total bill differ from a simple energy-only calculation.

How to find watts or kWh

Use measured power, manufacturer data or an EnergyGuide/annual kWh value. If a device cycles, measure over a representative period instead of assuming it draws maximum power continuously.

Popular appliance calculations

Air conditioner cost · dryer cost · oven cost · dehumidifier cost · refrigerator cost.

Rate note: EIA's 2025 U.S. annual average residential retail electricity price was 17.30¢/kWh. State values in the selector use final 2024 annual averages because the final 2025 state report is scheduled later in 2026. See sources.

Estimates only. Actual bills can include fixed charges, taxes, tiers, time-of-use pricing or demand-related components.