1. What is Cost per Watt?

Cost per Watt is a metric used to compare the cost efficiency of electrical devices or systems. It represents how much you pay for each watt of power consumption, derived from the more commonly used cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

2. How the Calculation Works

The calculator uses this simple formula:

Where:

• Cost/W — Cost per watt in your local currency
• Cost/kWh — Your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour
• 1000 — Conversion factor (1000 watts = 1 kilowatt)

Explanation: Since 1 kWh equals 1000 watt-hours, dividing the cost per kWh by 1000 gives you the cost per watt-hour.

3. Practical Applications

Details: This calculation is particularly useful for:

• Comparing energy efficiency of appliances
• Calculating operating costs of electrical devices
• Estimating power consumption expenses for small devices
• Energy budgeting for home or business

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter your electricity rate in cost per kilowatt-hour (check your utility bill)
• The result shows cost per watt-hour in the same currency
• For accurate results, use your actual electricity rate including all fees

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why calculate cost per watt when bills are in kWh?
A: Cost per watt helps understand the cost of running small devices and makes comparisons between devices easier.

Q2: How does this relate to wattage ratings on appliances?
A: Multiply an appliance's wattage by cost per watt to estimate hourly operating cost.

Q3: Should I include taxes and fees in the cost/kWh?
A: For most accurate results, use your total effective rate including all charges.

Q4: Can I use this for solar power calculations?
A: Yes, it can help compare the cost-effectiveness of solar versus grid power.

Q5: How precise should my input value be?
A: For most purposes, 4 decimal places (e.g., 0.1234) is sufficient.