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Electricity Cost Calculator
By the Dailycaltor team · formula-verified · last updated July 2026
What that appliance really costs to run.
Details
Formula
Energy (kWh) = watts × hours ÷ 1000. Cost = kWh × your electricity rate. A 1,500 W appliance running 3 hours uses 4.5 kWh a day — at $0.15/kWh that is about $20 a month.
Worked examples
- 1500 W AC, 8 hrs/day at AED 0.38 → roughly AED 137/month.
- 150 W fridge, 24 hrs at $0.15 → about $16/month.
- 100 W TV, 4 hrs at $0.15 → under $2/month.
Common mistakes
- Using an appliance's maximum wattage when it cycles (fridges, ACs use less on average).
- Forgetting standby power on always-plugged devices.
- Using the wrong tariff — check your bill for the true per-kWh rate, including tiers.
Last updated: July 2026. Educational estimates only.
Questions
How do I calculate an appliance's running cost?
Watts × hours ÷ 1000 gives kWh; multiply by your rate per kWh.
What uses the most electricity at home?
Heating and cooling, water heaters and dryers dominate; AC is the big one in hot climates.
How do I find my rate per kWh?
It is on your electricity bill — divide the energy charge by the kWh used if not listed.
Watts vs kilowatt-hours?
Watts measure power draw; kWh measure energy used over time (power × hours).
Does 24/7 standby matter?
A few watts around the clock adds up — 10 W constant ≈ 7 kWh/month.
Why is my bill higher than this estimate?
Bills include fixed charges, taxes and tiered rates on top of pure usage.