How to Work Out Electricity Costs for Any Appliance
A simple guide to calculating how much any appliance costs to run, with common examples and money-saving tips.
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How to calculate electricity cost
The formula is straightforward:
Cost = (Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours used × Price per kWh
For example, a 2,000W kettle used for 10 minutes: (2,000 ÷ 1,000) × (10/60) × 24.5p = 8.2p per boil.
What does kWh mean?
kWh stands for kilowatt-hour. It is the unit of energy your supplier uses to charge you. One kWh is the energy used by a 1,000W appliance running for one hour.
Common appliance running costs
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| LED lightbulb | 10W | 0.2p |
| Laptop | 50W | 1.2p |
| Television | 100W | 2.5p |
| Washing machine | 500W | 12.3p |
| Electric heater | 2,000W | 49p |
| Tumble dryer | 2,500W | 61p |
| Electric oven | 2,200W | 54p |
Tips to reduce electricity costs
- Switch to LED bulbs (use 90% less energy than incandescent)
- Run washing machines at 30°C
- Use a smart plug to eliminate standby power
- Air dry clothes instead of tumble drying when possible
- Choose energy-efficient appliances (look for A+++ ratings)
Try the calculator
Use our Electricity Cost Calculator to find out exactly how much any appliance costs to run.
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Last updated
Last reviewed: 2026-04-12T13:08:32.782Z.