1. What is the Watts to Cost Calculator?

The Watts to Cost Calculator helps you estimate the electricity cost of running an electrical appliance based on its power consumption, usage time, and your electricity rate.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power consumption in watts (W)
• \( h \) — Usage time in hours
• Cost per kWh — Your electricity rate in £ per kilowatt-hour

Explanation: The formula converts watts to kilowatts (dividing by 1000), multiplies by hours to get kilowatt-hours (kWh), then multiplies by the cost per kWh to get the total cost.

3. Understanding Electricity Costs

Details: Electricity in the UK is typically charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The average UK electricity price is around 34p per kWh (as of 2023), but this can vary based on your tariff and region.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Find your appliance's power rating (usually in watts on the label)
• Estimate your daily/weekly usage in hours
• Check your latest electricity bill for your exact kWh rate
• For appliances with variable power, use an average or maximum value

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a good estimate for constant-power devices. For devices with variable power (like refrigerators), actual consumption may differ.

Q2: Should I include VAT in the cost per kWh?
A: Most UK electricity prices include VAT at 5%. Use the rate exactly as shown on your bill.

Q3: How can I find my exact electricity rate?
A: Check your energy bill or online account - it will show the pence per kWh rate including any standing charges.

Q4: What's the difference between watts and kilowatts?
A: 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1000 watts (W). Electricity is billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is using 1000 watts for 1 hour.

Q5: Can I use this for solar panel calculations?
A: Yes, you can use it to estimate savings by comparing your current costs with potential solar generation.