Calculate your cost
Start with a representative input, then edit all three numbers.
This setup uses about 48 kWh in a 30-day month.
Please enter valid values within the ranges shown.
| Schedule | Hours/day | Cost/month |
|---|---|---|
| Half runtime | 4 | $4.52 |
| Starting point | 8 | $9.04 |
| Longer runtime | 12 | $13.56 |
Same 200-watt input and 18.83¢/kWh rate; only runtime changes.
The quick formula
0.2 kW × 8 hours × $0.1883 = $0.30 per day
Convert watts to kilowatts, multiply by the active hours used each day, then multiply by the electricity price in dollars per kWh. Multiply the daily result by 30 for the monthly estimate shown above.
How to read this estimate
A general-purpose desktop usually spends much of the day below its peak power draw. Workload, monitor use, and idle behavior determine whether an eight-hour workday is inexpensive or surprisingly wasteful.
The starting values keep this page useful before you have a label or meter reading. They do not describe every model, climate, operating mode, or household.
What changes the cost?
- 01
Processor workload, graphics hardware, and connected storage
- 02
Number, size, and brightness of monitors
- 03
Active hours, idle time, sleep settings, and power-supply efficiency
Ways to spend less
- Enable automatic display-off and system sleep.
- Disconnect unused external drives and accessories.
- Measure at the wall if the machine runs intensive tasks for long periods.