Cost of Electricity per kWh Calculator

The cost of electricity per kWh is the price your utility charges for each kilowatt-hour of energy you use. The average US residential price was 18.31 cents per kWh in July 2026, according to the EIA. To find what a device costs, multiply its kWh (watts × hours ÷ 1,000) by your rate.

How the Electricity Cost Calculator Works

This electricity cost calculator converts device wattage and usage hours into kilowatt-hours consumed and multiplies by your local electricity rate to show daily, monthly, and yearly costs. The formula is straightforward: kWh equals watts multiplied by hours divided by 1000, and cost equals kWh multiplied by your rate per kWh. The multiple devices mode lets you add unlimited appliances to see which ones contribute most to your electricity bill. The LED versus CFL versus incandescent comparison uses standard wattage equivalents for each brightness level and factors in both energy costs and bulb replacement costs over time. All calculations run entirely in your browser with no data collected or sent to any server. Enter your local electricity rate from your utility bill to get accurate cost estimates for your region.

US Electricity Prices per kWh and an Average Electric Bill Example

Electricity prices change every month and differ sharply by state. These residential averages come from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A):

Worked example: the EIA reports that the average US residential customer bought about 899 kWh per month in 2022 (EIA FAQ). At 18.31 cents per kWh, 899 × $0.1831 = about $164.61 a month in electricity charges. Your real electricity bill depends on your usage, your plan and any fixed fees or taxes, so use the rate printed on your own bill. When you compare electricity plans, convert each quoted rate to dollars per kWh and enter it in the calculator above.

Understanding Your Electricity Bill

Most residential electricity bills charge per kilowatt-hour, with rates varying dramatically by location. In the United States, average residential rates in July 2026 ranged from about 12.7 cents per kWh in Louisiana and 13.7 cents in Idaho to 24.2 cents in Connecticut and 48 cents in Hawaii, according to the EIA. Many European countries pay more per kWh than the US average. Many utilities use tiered pricing where the rate increases as you use more electricity in a billing period. Some offer time-of-use rates where electricity costs less during off-peak hours, typically late night and early morning. Understanding your rate structure helps you make informed decisions about when to run high-wattage appliances like dishwashers, laundry machines, and electric vehicle chargers. Check your most recent utility bill for your exact rate, as it may include additional charges for transmission, distribution, and renewable energy surcharges beyond the base generation rate.

Biggest Electricity Users in Your Home

Heating and cooling systems typically account for 40 to 50 percent of residential electricity consumption. Central air conditioning units draw 3000 to 5000 watts, while portable space heaters use 1000 to 1500 watts. Water heaters are the second largest consumer at 4000 to 5500 watts, though they cycle on and off rather than running continuously. Kitchen appliances vary widely: a refrigerator uses 100 to 400 watts continuously, an electric oven draws 2000 to 5000 watts during use, and a microwave uses 600 to 1200 watts. Entertainment electronics add up: a gaming PC draws 300 to 500 watts, a large television uses 100 to 200 watts, and a gaming console uses 40 to 200 watts depending on whether it is playing a game or in standby. Lighting can be significant in older homes using incandescent bulbs. Switching to LED lighting typically reduces lighting electricity costs by 75 to 85 percent while providing the same brightness.

Tips to Reduce Your Electricity Costs

The most impactful step is switching to LED lighting throughout your home, which can save 200 to 500 dollars per year for a typical household. Use smart power strips to eliminate standby power draw from electronics, which can account for 5 to 10 percent of total electricity use. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 78 degrees in summer, and use ceiling fans to extend comfort ranges by 4 to 6 degrees. Run dishwashers and laundry machines during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing. Replace old appliances with Energy Star rated models, which use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models. Consider a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and optimizes heating and cooling automatically. For long-term savings, solar panels can offset 50 to 100 percent of electricity costs depending on your location and roof orientation, with typical payback periods of 6 to 10 years after incentives.