Electricity cost calculator

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find an appliance's wattage?

The wattage is usually printed on a label on the back or bottom of the appliance, listed in the owner's manual, or available in the product specifications online. For devices without a label, a plug-in energy meter can measure actual draw under real operating conditions.

Why does my monthly estimate seem higher than what I see on my bill?

The calculator assumes the appliance draws its rated wattage steadily for every hour of the entered runtime. Many appliances cycle on and off or operate at lower draw when not at full load, so actual consumption is often lower than the rated-wattage estimate.

How is the monthly cost calculated?

Daily cost is multiplied by 30 days to produce the monthly figure, regardless of how many days are actually in a given calendar month. The yearly figure uses 365 days. Both projections extend from the exact daily cost before rounding.

What electricity rate should I enter?

Use the blended rate from a recent utility bill: divide the total energy charge (not the full bill) by the total kilowatt-hours billed. Rates vary widely by location and season, so using your own bill data gives a more accurate result than a national average.