Energy · Problem-solving calculator
Electricity Cost Calculator
Estimate energy use and electricity cost from equipment load, operating hours, days, and utility rate.
- Free to use
- Runs in your browser
- Level B · Industry formula
- Last reviewed 2026-08-16
Calculator guide
What this calculator helps you solve
Estimate energy use and electricity cost from equipment load, operating hours, days, and utility rate.
Inputs explained
- Average load (kW) — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
- Operating hours per day — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
- Operating days — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
- Energy rate ($/kWh) — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
- Fixed/other charges ($) — enter the value that applies to your operation or scenario.
Formula and methodology
Worked example
A 12.5 kW average load running 10 hours/day for 22 days uses 2,750 kWh. At $0.14/kWh plus $45 in fixed charges, estimated cost is $430.
How to interpret the result
Use the estimate for budgeting or scenario comparisons; actual bills can also include demand charges, time-of-use rates, taxes, riders, minimums, or tiered pricing.
What to keep in mind
- Use average real load rather than nameplate power when the equipment cycles or operates below full load.
- Commercial tariffs may require a separate demand-charge calculation.
Review approach
This calculator uses deterministic arithmetic and performs the calculation locally in your browser. Its value comes from combining multiple operational inputs into a decision-oriented result rather than returning a one-line conversion.
Review standard: Level B · Industry formula. How calculator reviews work.
Frequently asked questions
What decision can this calculator support?
Use the estimate for budgeting or scenario comparisons; actual bills can also include demand charges, time-of-use rates, taxes, riders, minimums, or tiered pricing.
How is the result calculated?
Energy = kW × Hours/Day × Days; Cost = Energy × $/kWh + Fixed Charges.
Are the assumptions universal?
No. Operational, regulatory, technical, and industry assumptions vary. Use values that apply to your situation and verify professional or regulatory requirements where relevant.
Does CalculateMeasure store the values I enter?
The calculation runs in your browser and does not require sending the entered calculator values to a server to produce the result.