Bills & Utilities
Appliance Running Cost Calculator
Turn an appliance power rating and your electricity unit rate into per-use, daily, monthly, and annual running cost estimates.
Inputs
Results
Useful next checks
- Check the inputs before relying on the result.
- Try a second scenario to compare outcomes.
- Read the guide below for context.
# Appliance Running Cost Calculator
Work out how much an appliance costs to run from its power rating, run time, frequency, and electricity unit rate.
What this calculator does
Enter watts or kilowatts, how long the appliance runs, how often it runs, and the pence per kWh from your bill. The calculator estimates cost per use, per day, per month, and per year.
How it works
The energy formula is:
`power in kW x hours used = kWh`
The cost formula is:
`kWh x unit rate in pence / 100`
For appliances with cycles, such as washing machines or ovens, the power rating may not be constant for the whole cycle. A plug-in energy monitor can give a better reading for those.
Example calculation
A 2,000 W heater running for 2 hours uses 4 kWh. At 24.67p/kWh, that single use costs about GBP 0.99.
How to use the result
Use this to compare appliances, estimate the cost of longer run times, or translate a tariff change into everyday examples. It is especially useful for heaters, tumble dryers, dehumidifiers, EV chargers, and always-on devices.
Assumptions and limitations
The calculator assumes the entered power is the average power during use. Real appliances may cycle on and off, vary by setting, or draw standby power separately.
FAQs
Where do I find the wattage?
Check the appliance label, manual, plug, power supply, or manufacturer specification. Some devices show kW instead of watts.
What is a kWh?
A kilowatt-hour is the energy used by a 1 kW device running for 1 hour.
Should I include standing charge?
No. This calculator estimates marginal appliance running cost. Use the UK energy bill calculator when you want the full bill including standing charges.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this include standing charge?
No. It estimates the marginal cost of running one appliance. Use the energy bill calculator for full bills.
Why might my appliance cost differ?
Many appliances cycle power up and down, so the nameplate wattage may not be the average draw.