Electricity Cost Calculator

¢/kWh

US average: ~16 cents/kWh (2024)


Enter wattage and usage above

Common appliances

How to Calculate Electricity Cost

Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh = 1,000 watts running for one hour. To calculate cost:

kWh per day = Watts / 1000 x Hours per day
Monthly kWh = kWh/day x Days per month
Monthly cost = Monthly kWh x Rate ($/kWh)

Example: A 1,500W space heater run 8 hours/day for 30 days at $0.16/kWh costs 1.5 x 8 x 30 x 0.16 = $57.60/month.

Average Electricity Rates by State (2024)

Louisiana
11 cents/kWh (Lowest in US)
US Average
16 cents/kWh (National average)
California
30 cents/kWh (Among highest)
Hawaii
40 cents/kWh (Highest in US)

Check your utility bill for your exact rate. Enter it above for a precise estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What uses the most electricity in a home?

HVAC (heating and cooling) typically accounts for 40-50% of a home's electricity bill, followed by water heating (~18%), appliances (~15%), lighting (~10%), and electronics (~10%). Your air conditioner and electric water heater are the biggest targets for energy savings.

How do I find the wattage of an appliance?

Check the label on the back or bottom of the device — it typically shows watts (W) or amps (A) and volts (V). If shown in amps: Watts = Amps x Volts (typically 120V in the US). Wattage can also be found in the product manual or the manufacturer's website.

How much does running an EV add to my electric bill?

A typical EV gets about 3-4 miles per kWh. At 16 cents/kWh and 1,000 miles/month of driving, that's roughly 300 kWh x $0.16 = $48/month in additional electricity. Most EV owners charge at night on off-peak rates, reducing the cost further.

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