Energy Calculators

Appliance electricity cost calculator

Enter an appliance’s wattage and daily use to see what it costs to run in your state.

At the U.S. average residential price of 18.16¢/kWh in August 2026 (EIA), running a 1,500 W space heater 6 hours a day for 30 days costs about $49.03 (270 kWh).

Pre-fills the average residential price (Aug 2026, EIA).

watts

Check the label or manual; typical values are only a starting point.

h/day
¢/kWh

Use your bill’s total ÷ kWh for the most accurate rate.

Per month (30 days)
$49.03270.0 kWh
Per year
$596.563,285 kWh
Per day
$1.63
Per hour of use
$0.272

Formula: kWh = watts × hours per day × days ÷ 1,000; cost = kWh × electricity rate.

Inputs used: power: 1,500 W; use: 6 h/day; rate: 18.16¢/kWh; state: U.S. average.

These are estimates, not financial advice.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Aug 2026). About our data

Worked examples in three states

Costs at each state’s average residential price for August 2026: the most expensive, the median and the cheapest state.

ApplianceHawaii
47.18¢/kWh		Alabama
16.33¢/kWh		Nevada
12.72¢/kWh
1,500 W space heater 6 hours a day for 30 days$127.39$44.09$34.34
3,500 W central air conditioner 8 hours a day for 30 days$396.31$137.17$106.85
Refrigerator using 500 kWh per year$235.90$81.65$63.60

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Aug 2026). About our data

How we calculate

kWh = watts × hours per day × days ÷ 1,000, then cost = kWh × price per kWh.

Prices are EIA’s average residential price for each state for August 2026, which includes fixed monthly charges spread over all kWh. The quick-fill wattages are typical round numbers, not measurements; check your appliance’s label. See the methodology.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find how many watts an appliance uses?

Look for the rating label (often on the back or underside) or the manual. If it lists amps instead, multiply amps by volts (120 V for most U.S. outlets) for an approximate wattage. A plug-in energy monitor measures actual use, which is more accurate for devices that cycle on and off.

Why is my real cost lower than the calculator shows for a fridge or AC?

Refrigerators, air conditioners and heaters cycle on and off, so they draw full power only part of the time. Enter the hours the device actually runs, or use its annual kWh rating from the EnergyGuide label.

What is the difference between watts and kWh?

Watts measure power at a moment; kilowatt-hours measure energy over time. A 1,000 W device running for one hour uses 1 kWh. Utilities bill by the kWh.

Which electricity rate should I use?

The state average from EIA is a good starting point (U.S. average 18.16¢/kWh in August 2026). For your own rate, divide your bill’s total by the kWh used.

Data last updated: