1. What is the Watts to Cost Calculator?

The Watts to Cost Calculator helps you estimate how much it costs to run electrical appliances based on their power consumption, usage time, and your electricity tariff. This is particularly useful for budgeting and energy efficiency planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Power consumption in watts
• \( h \) — Usage time in hours
• \( Cost/kWh \) — Electricity cost 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 2024), but this can vary based on your tariff, region, and whether you're on a fixed or variable rate.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Find the wattage of your appliance (usually on a label or in the manual)
• Estimate your daily/weekly/monthly usage hours
• Use your actual electricity rate for most accurate results (found on your bill)
• The calculator defaults to 34p/kWh (UK average)

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my appliance's wattage?
A: Check the product label, manual, or specifications online. If only amps are listed, multiply by voltage (230V in UK) to get watts (W = A × V).

Q2: What's the difference between watts and kilowatts?
A: 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1000 watts (W). Electricity is billed per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is 1000 watts used for 1 hour.

Q3: Should I use the exact rate from my bill?
A: For most accurate results, yes. The calculator defaults to the UK average (34p/kWh) for convenience.

Q4: How can I reduce my electricity costs?
A: Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off devices when not in use, and consider switching to a cheaper tariff or provider.

Q5: Does this include standing charges?
A: No, this calculates only the energy consumption cost. Your bill also includes a daily standing charge (typically 40-60p per day).