Calculate∑ What your result means
An appliance's running cost depends on its power rating, how long it runs, and your electricity unit price — this converts those into an estimated cost over your chosen period.
Energy Bill & Appliance Running Cost Calculator
Estimate how much an appliance costs to run based on its wattage and your electricity price.
Your details
W
hrs
p/kWh
days
p/day
◇ Your values stay in this browser.
Verified for 2026-27Methodology 2026-27.1 · reviewed 2026-08-08 · review by 2027-03-01
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Compare scenarios
Change appliance power to see the effect on your result.
Understand your result
Clear context for the values above.
Appliance power
Appliance power is included so you can interpret this estimate and make a better-informed comparison.
Hours used per day
Hours used per day is included so you can interpret this estimate and make a better-informed comparison.
Electricity unit price
Electricity unit price is included so you can interpret this estimate and make a better-informed comparison.
Number of days
Number of days is included so you can interpret this estimate and make a better-informed comparison.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your current appliance power, hours used per day, electricity unit price, number of days, daily standing charge.
- 2Review the headline estimated running cost and the supporting figures beside it.
- 3Change one input at a time to see which assumption has the biggest effect.
- 4Confirm current UK rates and thresholds with an official source before acting.
Explore this calculator
What your result means →The headline estimated running cost is based on the inputs currently shown above.Key terms explained →Review the assumptions, applicable rules, timing and real-world fees before making a decision.How to use this calculator →Enter your figures, review the live result, compare scenarios, then save or print your estimate.The calculation formula →The calculation follows the standard relationship between the displayed inputs. Results update whenever an input changes.Worked example →Using the current values produces £49.Assumptions and limitations →Review the assumptions, applicable rules, timing and real-world fees before making a decision.Costs or factors not included →Review the assumptions, applicable rules, timing and real-world fees before making a decision.Frequently asked questions →How accurate is this estimate? What should I check before relying on it? Can I save or share the result?
▦ How this calculator works
Energy used in kilowatt-hours is the appliance's wattage divided by 1,000, multiplied by hours used per day and the number of days. That figure is then multiplied by your unit price (converted from pence to pounds) to estimate the cost.
◇ Assumptions and what's not included
Unit prices are set by your supplier and change with Ofgem's price cap roughly every quarter, standing charges are not included in this per-appliance estimate, and many appliances don't draw a constant wattage throughout their cycle (a fridge or washing machine, for example).
▤ What to do next
Check your actual tariff's unit rate on a recent bill for accuracy, and use the appliance's rated wattage from its nameplate or manual rather than a rough guess where possible.
UK-specific contextFigures use GBP and current published rates and thresholds.
Reviewed for clarityUpdated 3 August 2026.
ImportantFor planning and educational use — not tax, legal or financial advice.
Your privacy mattersInputs stay in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include the daily standing charge?+
No, this only estimates the per-appliance usage cost — your actual bill also includes a fixed daily standing charge regardless of usage.
Where do I find an appliance's wattage?+
Check the appliance's rating label, nameplate, or manual — it's usually listed in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW, where 1kW = 1,000W).
Why does my unit price change every few months?+
In Great Britain, Ofgem reviews and updates the energy price cap roughly quarterly, which changes the maximum unit rate suppliers can charge on standard tariffs.
Does this work for appliances with variable power draw?+
It gives an approximation — appliances like fridges, washing machines and kettles vary their power draw through a cycle, so treat this as an estimate rather than an exact reading.
Official references
Rules and thresholds used by this calculator are labelled for 2026–27 or formula-labelled period. Review the primary guidance before making a filing, borrowing, benefit or investment decision.
Last source review: 3 August 2026. Calculator results are estimates and may exclude circumstances described in the methodology.