Electric BillsWhat Is a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)? How to Calculate Electricity Cost
A kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts used for one hour. Here's how kWh differs from kW and how to calculate what any appliance costs to run.
Electricity cost calculator (kWh to $)
Work out what any amount of electricity costs at your state's average residential rate – or the rate printed on your bill.
State rates are 12-month residential averages from EIA, through August 2026. Use the rate on your own bill for the most accurate result.
How to use the electricity cost calculator
- Enter how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you want to price – from your bill, a meter or an appliance label.
- Pick a period (day, month or year).
- Choose your state to load its 12-month average rate, or type your own rate in cents per kWh.
- Read the cost instantly – per period, per month and per year.
Formula
Cost ($) = kWh × rate (¢ per kWh) ÷ 100. Example: 900 kWh × 16¢ ÷ 100 = $144. Your bill may also include a fixed monthly charge, taxes and fees that are not tied to usage.
Worked examples
| Electricity used | US average (18.16¢) | Hawaii (highest) | North Dakota (lowest) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 kWh | $18.16 | $44.27 | $12.35 |
| 500 kWh | $90.80 | $221.35 | $61.75 |
| 1,000 kWh | $181.60 | $442.70 | $123.50 |
| 1,500 kWh | $272.40 | $664.05 | $185.25 |
| 2,000 kWh | $363.20 | $885.40 | $247.00 |
Rates by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the cost of electricity?
Multiply the kilowatt-hours used by your rate per kWh. If your rate is in cents, divide the result by 100 to get dollars.
How much does 1,000 kWh cost?
At the US 12-month average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh, 1,000 kWh costs about $182, before fixed charges and taxes.
What is a kWh?
A kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts used for one hour – for example a 100-watt bulb running for 10 hours.
Why is my bill higher than kWh × rate?
Most utilities add a fixed customer charge plus taxes and fees. Some also charge different rates by time of day or by usage tier.
Related guides
Electric Bills
Electric BillsHow to Read Your Electric Bill: kWh, Supply vs. Delivery, Fixed Charges and Riders
A line-by-line guide to your electric bill: kWh usage, supply and delivery charges, fixed customer charges, riders and taxes, and how to find your real cost per kWh.
Electric BillsWhy Electricity Prices Differ So Much by State
Electricity costs several times more per kWh in some states than others. EIA data shows how fuel mix, grid costs, regulation and climate drive the gap.
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