Electricity Bill Calculator US
Estimate an appliance electricity units and cost from its wattage, usage hours and tariff.
How it works
A discount reduces the original price by a percentage. The saving is the price times the discount; the sale price is what remains.
Sale price = Price × (1 − discount%)Frequently asked questions
How is electricity cost calculated?
Energy used in kWh times your rate per kWh. kWh = watts × hours ÷ 1,000, so a 1,500 W device for 4 hours uses 6 kWh.
What is a kilowatt-hour?
The energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. It is the unit your utility bills you by.
What is the average US electricity rate?
Around 16–17 cents per kWh on average, though it ranges widely by state and by time of day on some plans.
Which appliances cost the most to run?
High-wattage devices used for long periods — heating, air conditioning, water heaters and electric ovens — dominate most bills.
How do I find my own rate?
Check your electricity bill; it lists the rate per kWh, plus any fixed service charges and time-of-use pricing.
Do standby electronics add much?
Individually little, but many low-watt devices left on around the clock can add up to a noticeable share over a month.
How your electricity cost is worked out
Electricity is billed by the kilowatt-hour (kWh) — the energy of a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. Your cost is simply the kWh you use multiplied by your rate per kWh. This calculator turns an appliance’s wattage and run time into a dollar figure.
From watts to cost
First find energy used: kWh = watts × hours ÷ 1,000. A 1,500-watt heater running 4 hours uses 1,500 × 4 ÷ 1,000 = 6 kWh. At an average US rate of around 16–17 cents per kWh (it varies widely by state), that is about $1.00 a day.
Adding up a bill
Your monthly bill is the total kWh across all appliances times your rate, plus any fixed charges. High-draw devices used for long periods — heating, cooling, water heaters — dominate the total, while low-watt electronics contribute little even if always on.
To cut costs, focus on the big, frequently-used loads, and check your own rate on your bill, since prices differ greatly between states and between peak and off-peak hours on time-of-use plans.
Results are estimates for general guidance in United States and may not reflect the latest local rates, fees or rules. Check official sources before making decisions.