Electricity cost calculator
What does a device cost to run for a year? Enter its power, how long it runs and your electricity price – for several devices at once, with standby and an old vs. new comparison.
How it works
Enter your price
The price per kilowatt hour is on your electricity bill (unit rate). The preset value is only an example.
Add devices
The power in watts is on the rating plate or in the data sheet. For fridges, washing machines and the like the yearly consumption on the energy label is more accurate – then fill in only “kWh/year”.
Read the cost
Each device shows its consumption and cost per year; below you see the total per day, month and year and how much of it is standby.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out what a device costs to run?+
Power in watts × hours per day ÷ 1000 gives the kilowatt hours per day. Times 365 days and times the price per kWh gives the cost per year. Example: 100 W × 4 h = 0.4 kWh a day, 146 kWh a year, at 0.30 per kWh that is 43.80.
How much does standby cost?+
A device with 1 W standby that stays plugged in around the clock uses 8.76 kWh a year – at 0.30 per kWh about 2.60. With several devices it adds up quickly; a switchable power strip helps.
Where do I find the power of a device?+
The rating plate usually shows the maximum power – in everyday use the device often needs less. A plug-in power meter or the yearly consumption on the energy label is more accurate.
Is a new, more efficient device worth it?+
Enter the yearly consumption of the old and the new device and the price of the new one in the comparison. The calculator shows how much you save per year and after how many years the new device has paid for itself – without price rises or interest.
Which electricity price should I use?+
The unit rate from your contract per kWh. A fixed daily or monthly standing charge is paid regardless of consumption and does not belong in this calculation. Your input stays on your device.