Appliance Running Cost Calculator (UK Electricity)
Enter the wattage on the label and how long you use it. The default rate is the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh.
| Per day (average) | £0.20 |
|---|---|
| Per week | £1.38 |
| Per month | £5.99 |
| Per year | £71.85 |
| Energy used per year | 273 kWh |
How to work out what an appliance costs to run
Every electrical appliance is rated in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). The cost to run it is:
Power in kW × hours used × price per kWh = cost
For example, a 3 kW kettle running for 3 minutes (0.05 hours) uses 3 × 0.05 = 0.15 kWh. At 26.32p per kWh that costs 3.9p. Boil it 35 times a week and it costs around £71.85 a year.
Finding the wattage
The power rating is usually printed on a label on the back or underside of the appliance, or in the manual. If it only gives amps (A), multiply by 230 volts to get watts. Bear in mind that many appliances, like ovens, fridges and heaters, do not draw their full power all the time, because the thermostat switches them on and off, so real use is often lower than a full-power calculation.
What is the electricity price?
The default rate is the Ofgem price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026: 26.32p per kWh. Your own rate depends on your supplier, tariff and region, and you will find it on your bill or in your online account. The cap changes every three months (next change on 1 January 2027). The standing charge is separate and not included, as it applies whether or not you use an appliance.
Ofgem states these figures do not include VAT from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, because the Government has removed VAT from electricity bills for that period.
See typical costs for common appliances
Browse our appliance running cost guide for typical costs of the kettle, tumble dryer, oven, TV and more.
Sources: Ofgem: Energy price cap. Figures last checked on 8 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the cost of running an appliance?
Multiply its power in kilowatts by the hours you use it to get kWh, then multiply by your price per kWh.
How many watts is a kWh?
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the energy used by a 1,000 watt appliance running for one hour. A 100 W TV uses 1 kWh in 10 hours.
What is the electricity price cap?
Ofgem’s price cap limits the unit rate and standing charge suppliers can charge on default tariffs. For 1 October to 31 December 2026 the average cap is 26.32p per kWh for electricity.
Why is my real cost different from the calculator?
Your tariff, region and payment method change the rate, and appliances do not always draw their full rated power. The calculator is a good guide, but not a bill.
More from UK Answers
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.