How this calculator helps
Multiply the wattage by your actual hours of use and your electricity unit price. This gives a better estimate than applying a single universal running cost to every household.
Before you decide
For appliances that cycle on and off, such as thermostatically controlled heaters, the rated power is a maximum rather than an exact average.
A practical example
Find the rated watts on the device or in its manual. Check your bill for the unit rate in pounds per kilowatt-hour. A 1,500 W appliance used for one hour consumes 1.5 kWh, which costs £0.42 at an illustrative 28p/kWh.
Frequently asked question
Does this include standing charges?
No. Standing charges are billed separately and do not change with each extra hour of use.
What next?
Change the figures and see the estimate update instantly. For another practical check, browse our free tools library or try the daily challenge.