How do I calculate electricity cost?

The formula is: (Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours Used × Price per kWh. Convert watts to kilowatts first, then multiply by usage hours and your electricity rate.

Why might my actual bill differ from this calculator?

Actual bills may differ due to standing charges, tiered pricing, VAT, seasonal variations, and differences between rated versus actual appliance power draw.

Electricity Cost Calculator – Daily Calculator

Q: What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh)?

A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy representing the amount of electricity consumed by a 1,000-watt device running for one hour. Your electricity bill is charged per kWh used.

Calculate the running cost of any electrical appliance using our free Electricity Cost Calculator. Compare the cost of running kettles, air fryers, electric heaters, TVs, gaming PCs and more by entering your electricity tariff and daily usage. Results update instantly and include electricity costs, energy consumption and a full cost breakdown.

Electricity Cost Calculator

Estimate how much your electrical appliances cost to run.

Appliance

Power (Watts)

Electricity Price (p/kWh)

Hours Used Per Day

Include Daily Standing Charge

Cost Breakdown

Current tariff: 26p/kWh

Cost Per Minute 0.00p

Cost Per Hour £0.00

Cost Per Day £0.00

Cost Per Week £0.00

Cost Per Month £0.00

Cost Per Year £0.00

Energy Usage

Energy Per Hour 0.00 kWh

Energy Per Day 0.00 kWh

Energy Per Week 0.00 kWh

Energy Per Month 0.00 kWh

Energy Per Year 0.00 kWh

Calculation Flow

1 50 W Watts

2 0.05 kW Kilowatts

3 0.15 kWh Daily kWh

4 £0.04/day Daily Cost

Summary

Running a 50W Fan for 3 hours per day at 26p/kWh uses 0.15 kWh/day and costs £0.04/day, £0.27/week, £1.19/month, and £14.24/year.

What is a kWh?

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy representing the amount of electricity consumed by a 1,000-watt device running for one hour. Your electricity bill is typically charged per kWh used. For example, a 100W light bulb left on for 10 hours uses 1 kWh of electricity.

How is Electricity Cost Calculated?

The formula is straightforward: (Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours Used × Price per kWh. First, convert watts to kilowatts by dividing by 1,000. Then multiply by how many hours the appliance runs per day, and finally multiply by your electricity rate in pence per kWh.

Why Your Bill May Differ

This calculator estimates costs based on unit rates alone. Your actual bill may vary due to:

Standing charges: A daily fixed fee added by energy suppliers regardless of usage
Tiered pricing: Some tariffs charge different rates depending on total consumption
VAT: Electricity bills typically include 5% VAT
Seasonal variation: Usage patterns change throughout the year
Appliance efficiency: Actual power draw varies from rated wattage

Average UK Electricity Prices

As of 2024, the UK electricity price cap stands around 26p per kWh for typical dual-fuel customers paying by direct debit. However, individual supplier rates may vary significantly. Check your latest bill or contact your provider for your exact tariff rate.

Tips to Reduce Electricity Use

Switch off standby: Devices left on standby can consume 5-10% of household electricity
Use LED bulbs: They use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs
Optimise heating: Lowering your thermostat by 1°C can save around 10% on heating costs
Run full loads: Washing machines and dishwashers are most efficient when fully loaded
Air fryer vs oven: Air fryers use significantly less energy than conventional ovens for small meals
Smart plugs: Track and control appliance usage remotely