Live Power Usage Estimator
Estimate the current power consumption and cost of a running device based on wattage and electricity price.
Enter the power rating of a running device and how long it has run today to see its current consumption, cost, and a yearly projection.
Pro tips
- A plug-in power meter gives more accurate readings than nameplate values.
- Measure standby consumption separately – it often runs around the clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I estimate a running device's power consumption?
Multiply the power in watts by the runtime in hours and divide by 1000 – that gives you the consumption in kilowatt-hours.
How do I know how many watts my device is drawing?
A plug-in power meter shows the actual live consumption; alternatively, the rating plate gives a rough estimate.
Do devices really use power on standby?
Yes, many devices draw 0.5-5 watts even on standby – across a year and several devices, that adds up to a noticeable amount.
How can I reduce live power consumption?
Switchable power strips, fully turning off unneeded devices, and switching to more efficient models cut ongoing consumption the most.