1. What is Cost per Watt?

Cost per watt is a metric used to understand electricity pricing at a more granular level. While electricity is typically billed per kilowatt-hour (kWh), converting to cost per watt helps with calculations for small devices and energy efficiency comparisons.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple conversion formula:

Where:

• Cost/W — Cost per watt in pounds (£)
• Cost/kWh — Cost per kilowatt-hour in pounds (£)

Explanation: Since 1 kilowatt equals 1000 watts, we divide the cost per kWh by 1000 to get the cost per watt-hour.

3. Importance of Cost per Watt Calculation

Details: Understanding cost per watt helps in calculating energy costs for small appliances, comparing energy efficiency of devices, and making more precise energy consumption estimates.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your current electricity rate in £/kWh (this can typically be found on your energy bill). The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent cost per watt.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why calculate cost per watt when bills are in kWh?
A: Cost per watt is useful for calculating energy costs of small devices and making precise comparisons between different appliances.

Q2: What's the average electricity cost in the UK?
A: As of 2023, the average electricity price in the UK is around £0.28-£0.34 per kWh, but this varies by supplier and tariff.

Q3: How can I use this for my appliances?
A: Multiply the cost per watt by the wattage of your appliance and hours of use to estimate running costs.

Q4: Does this include standing charges?
A: No, this only converts the unit rate. Standing charges would need to be calculated separately.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The conversion is mathematically precise, but actual bills may include other factors like VAT or time-of-use pricing.