Electricity Cost Calculator
How much does it cost to run your lights? Enter the wattage and usage to calculate your daily, monthly, and yearly electricity costs.
1Enter Details
US average: $0.12-0.18/kWh
2Electricity Cost
Energy Consumption
1.5
kWh/day
45.0
kWh/month
540
kWh/year
Save Money Tip
Switching to LED would reduce this cost by ~85%. A 60W bulb can be replaced with a 9W LED.
Understanding Electricity Costs
Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh equals running a 1,000-watt device for one hour, or a 100-watt bulb for 10 hours. Your utility company charges based on kWh consumed.
The Formula
Cost = (Watts × Hours × Days × Rate) ÷ 1000
Example: (60W × 5hrs × 30days × $0.15) ÷ 1000 = $1.35/month
Typical Electricity Rates by State
Highest Rates
Hawaii: $0.32/kWh, California: $0.23/kWh, Connecticut: $0.22/kWh
Lowest Rates
Louisiana: $0.09/kWh, Oklahoma: $0.10/kWh, Idaho: $0.10/kWh
US National Average: ~$0.14/kWh (2024)
Common Wattages
| Device | Watts | Cost/hr @ $0.15 |
|---|---|---|
| LED Bulb (60W equiv) | 8-10W | $0.001 |
| Incandescent Bulb | 60W | $0.009 |
| Ceiling Fan | 50-75W | $0.01 |
| Desktop Computer | 100-300W | $0.02-0.05 |
| Air Conditioner | 1000-3500W | $0.15-0.53 |
Tips to Reduce Lighting Costs
- 1
Switch to LED
LEDs use 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs for the same brightness.
- 2
Use Motion Sensors
Automatically turn off lights in low-traffic areas like hallways and bathrooms.
- 3
Maximize Natural Light
Open curtains and blinds during the day to reduce artificial lighting needs.
- 4
Install Dimmers
Dimming lights by 25% can save 20% on energy costs while extending bulb life.