Appliance Running Cost Calculator
Find out exactly what any appliance costs to run. Pick a common appliance or enter the wattage yourself, set how long it runs, and see the cost per day, month, and year instantly.
Selecting one fills in typical watts and hours — adjust to match yours.
Cost per month
$0
0 kWh per day
Estimates only. Appliances with thermostats or cycles (fridges, ACs, washers) draw rated power only part of the time.
How this appliance cost calculator works
The math is simple: kWh per day = watts × hours per day ÷ 1,000. Multiply that by your price per kWh for the daily cost, by the days you use it each month for the monthly cost, and by 365 for the yearly cost.
The presets use typical wattages, but real appliances vary — check the rating label on the device or, better, measure with a plug-in energy monitor. The biggest surprises usually come from heating and cooling appliances: a 1,500 W space heater running a few hours a day often costs more than every screen in the house combined.
Appliance running cost FAQ
How do I calculate an appliance's running cost?
Multiply the appliance's wattage by the hours it runs per day and divide by 1,000 to get kWh per day. Then multiply by your price per kWh for the daily cost, by days used per month for the monthly cost, and by 365 for the yearly cost.
Where do I find an appliance's wattage?
Check the rating label on the back or bottom of the appliance, its manual, or the manufacturer's website. If the label only shows amps and volts, multiply them (watts = amps × volts). A plug-in energy monitor gives the most accurate real-world figure.
Which appliances cost the most to run?
Anything that heats or cools: electric water heaters, space heaters, air conditioners, clothes dryers, and ovens. They draw 1,000–5,000 watts, so even a few hours a day adds up fast. Electronics like TVs, routers, and chargers are comparatively cheap.
Do appliances use electricity when switched off?
Many do — standby (phantom) power for TVs, consoles, chargers, and microwaves typically runs 1–10 watts each, around the clock. Across a home that can be 5–10% of the bill. Smart plugs or switched power strips make it easy to cut standby loads.
Does a fridge really run 24 hours a day?
It's plugged in 24/7 but the compressor cycles on and off, so it draws rated power only part of the time. For cost estimates, use roughly 8 hours a day at rated wattage, or use the yearly kWh figure from its energy label.