What does it cost to run an electric heater, a tumble dryer or a slow cooker? Enter the power in watts, how long it is on and your electricity price, and this calculator gives the cost for an hour, a day, a week, a month and a year.
How to Use It
The wattage is printed on a label on the appliance, on its plug or in the handbook. Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill, shown in pence per kWh. Prices change, so use the figure from your latest bill rather than one you remember.
A Worked Example
A 2,000 watt kettle that is on for half an hour a day uses 1 kWh a day. At an example price of 27p per kWh that is 27p a day, or about £8.19 a month. Your own price will differ, so use your bill.
What the Result Does Not Include
The calculator assumes the appliance uses its full rated power the whole time it is on. Thermostat controlled items, such as heaters and fridges, switch on and off, so they often use less in real life. Your standing charge is not included.
Questions about Appliance Running Cost Calculator
How do I work out kWh from watts?
Divide the watts by 1,000 to get kilowatts, then multiply by the hours used. A 2,000 watt appliance used for one hour uses 2 kWh. The calculator does this for you.
Where do I find my electricity price?
Your electricity price is on your bill or in your supplier's app, listed as the unit rate in pence per kWh. It changes when your tariff changes, so check it is the current rate.
Why is the real cost often lower?
Most appliances do not draw their full rated power all the time. A heater with a thermostat, for example, switches off when the room is warm. The calculator shows the most it could cost, which is a safe way to plan.