1. What is the 200 Watts Cost Calculator?

This calculator determines the cost of running a 200-watt device for a specified number of hours based on your local electricity rate. It converts watt-hours to kilowatt-hours (kWh) since electricity is typically billed per kWh.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• 200 — Device power consumption in watts
• \( h \) — Usage time in hours
• 1000 — Conversion factor (watts to kilowatts)
• Cost/kWh — Your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour

Explanation: The formula first calculates total energy consumption in watt-hours, converts it to kilowatt-hours, then multiplies by your electricity rate.

3. Understanding Electricity Costs

Details: Electricity costs vary by location and provider. The average U.S. residential rate is about $0.13 per kWh, but check your utility bill for accurate rates.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total hours the device will be running and your electricity cost per kWh. For monthly estimates, multiply daily usage by 30.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why divide by 1000 in the formula?
A: Electricity is billed per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and 1 kWh = 1000 watt-hours. Dividing by 1000 converts watt-hours to kWh.

Q2: How can I find my electricity rate?
A: Check your utility bill - it's usually listed as "price per kWh" in the charges section.

Q3: Does this account for standby power?
A: No, this calculates only when the device is actively consuming 200W. Many devices draw some power even when "off."

Q4: Can I use this for devices with variable power?
A: For devices that cycle (like refrigerators), you'd need to know the average power consumption over time.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's accurate for constant 200W loads. Actual costs may vary with power fluctuations, tiered rates, or additional fees.