Electricity Calculator guide
Electricity Calculator: What Does an Appliance Cost to Run?
Use our electricity calculator to work out how much an appliance costs to run per hour, week and year, from its wattage and your unit rate.
By the AllCalculator editorial teamUpdated 16 October 20261 min read
How much does it cost to run an electric heater, a tumble dryer or a gaming PC? Our Electricity Calculator tells you per hour, week and year.
How to use the calculator (Electricity Calculator)
- Choose an appliance, or enter its wattage from the label.
- Enter how many hours a day and days a week you use it.
- Check the unit rate matches your bill. The default is the current Ofgem price cap average.
How it works
Cost = power (kW) × hours × unit rate
1kW = 1,000W. Using 1kW for 1 hour is 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh), the unit on your bill.
Typical appliance power
| Appliance | Power |
|---|---|
| Kettle | 3,000W |
| Electric heater | 2,000W |
| Tumble dryer | 2,500W |
| Air fryer | 1,500W |
| TV | 100W |
| Fridge freezer (average) | 60W |
| LED bulb | 8W |
A worked example
With the calculator's default settings, a 2,000W electric heater used for 3 hours a day, every day, at 26.32p per kWh:
- 2kW × 26.32p = 52.6p an hour
- £1.58 a day, £11.05 a week
- £574.83 a year
Frequently asked questions
Why is my bill different?
Many appliances, like fridges, washing machines and heaters with thermostats, don't run at full power all the time. Your bill also includes a daily standing charge.
How can I find an appliance's wattage?
On the rating plate or label, usually on the back or bottom, or in the manual.
What's cheapest to run?
Low-power appliances like LED bulbs and laptops cost pennies. Heating and drying clothes cost the most.
For your whole energy bill, use our Energy Bill Calculator.
Sources and further reading
Links open official and independent websites in a new tab.
This guide is general information to help you understand your options. It isn't financial, tax, legal or building advice and doesn't take your personal circumstances into account. Figures were checked when the guide was last updated and can change, so confirm anything important with GOV.UK, HMRC, a regulated adviser or a qualified tradesperson.