Electricity Bill Calculator
Estimate your monthly electricity cost based on appliance usage and local rates.
About the Electricity Bill Calculator
The average U.S. household pays around $140–160 per month in electricity. But that number varies enormously based on local utility rates, home size, appliances, and behavior. This Electricity Bill Calculator lets you estimate the cost of individual appliances or your entire home's usage.
How kWh Is Calculated
Energy use (kWh) = Power (Watts) ÷ 1000 × Hours used. Running a 1,500W space heater for 4 hours/day uses: 1,500 ÷ 1000 × 4 = 6 kWh/day. At $0.14/kWh: 6 × $0.14 = $0.84/day or $25.20/month.
Average Appliance Power Draw
Space heater: 750–1,500W | Air conditioner (window unit): 500–1,400W | Central AC: 2,000–5,000W | Electric water heater: 4,000–5,000W | Refrigerator: 100–400W | Washing machine: 500–1,000W | Clothes dryer: 5,000–6,000W | Dishwasher: 1,200–1,500W | LED TV 65": 80–120W | LED bulb (60W equivalent): 8–10W | Desktop computer: 150–300W | Laptop: 20–50W
Finding Your Electricity Rate
Check your monthly utility bill — it lists the rate per kWh. US averages range from $0.08/kWh (Louisiana) to $0.30+/kWh (Hawaii and California). Time-of-use (TOU) plans charge more during peak hours (typically 4–9 PM on weekdays) and less during off-peak hours.
Ways to Reduce Your Bill
Switch to LED lighting (use ~75% less energy than incandescent). Unplug devices when not in use — "vampire loads" from standby appliances can add 5–10% to your bill. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances. Add insulation to reduce heating/cooling loads. Install a programmable thermostat. Run high-energy appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher) during off-peak hours if you have a TOU plan.