Estimated cost per month
How much does it cost to run an appliance?
Your electricity bill is charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh). To find what any device costs, multiply its power in kilowatts (watts ÷ 1000) by the hours you use it, then by your rate per kWh. This calculator does the maths and shows the cost per day, month and year — handy for space heaters, air conditioners, gaming PCs, pool pumps, or that old fridge in the garage.
The US average rate is around $0.17/kWh, but yours is on your bill — enter it for an accurate figure. A device’s wattage is on its label or nameplate; for anything with a heating element or motor, running cost adds up fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an appliance’s wattage?
Check the label or nameplate (often on the back or base), or the manual. It’s shown in watts (W) or sometimes as volts × amps. A plug-in energy monitor measures it exactly.
What’s a typical electricity rate?
In the US it averages about $0.17 per kWh but ranges widely by state and plan. Your exact rate — including any supply charges — is on your electricity bill.
Why is my heater or AC so expensive to run?
Anything that heats or cools draws a lot of power — often 1,000–1,500 watts or more. Run for hours a day, that turns into real money, which is why sizing and efficiency matter.
Does this include standby power?
No — it estimates active use for the hours you enter. Devices left on standby also draw a little power continuously, which a monitor can reveal.