How do I calculate the cost of running an appliance?

Power in kilowatts × hours used × unit rate. A 2 kW heater running for 3 hours uses 6 kWh, which costs £1.58 at the Great Britain average of 26.32p a kWh. For things that run in cycles, like a washing machine, or all the time, like a fridge-freezer, use the energy per cycle or per year instead; the calculator does this for you.

Do I need to add VAT?

No. Ofgem’s price cap rates already include any VAT that applies, and those are the rates this calculator uses. Adding VAT on top would count it twice.

Why is my bill higher than the total?

Because the total covers only the appliances you list. Lighting, standby, chargers and anything else running in the background add more, and so does the standing charge, which you can add to the total with the tick box. If you have a smart meter, the smart meter analyser shows what your whole home actually uses.

Calculator

Electricity cost calculator

Add the appliances you use and how often. You get the cost a week, a month and a year at your region’s price cap, using the energy each one really uses rather than just its rating.

Verified: 23 October 2026 from Ofgem price cap rates

How is this calculated?

Your electricity price

Appliance	Power or energy	Hours each time	Times a week	A year
Appliance 1	kWh/boil	–		£66
Appliance 2	kWh/wash	–		£51
Appliance 3	kWh/load	–		£209
Appliance 4	kWh/yr	–	all year	£68
Appliance 5	W			£81

A week

£9.13

A month

£39.68

A year

£476

1,809 kWh a year at 26.32p a kWh.

Add the electricity standing charge to the yearly total (£200 a year in this region)

Common questions

How do I calculate the cost of running an appliance?: Power in kilowatts × hours used × unit rate. A 2 kW heater running for 3 hours uses 6 kWh, which costs £1.58 at the Great Britain average of 26.32p a kWh. For things that run in cycles, like a washing machine, or all the time, like a fridge-freezer, use the energy per cycle or per year instead; the calculator does this for you.
Do I need to add VAT?: No. Ofgem’s price cap rates already include any VAT that applies, and those are the rates this calculator uses. Adding VAT on top would count it twice.
Why is my bill higher than the total?: Because the total covers only the appliances you list. Lighting, standby, chargers and anything else running in the background add more, and so does the standing charge, which you can add to the total with the tick box. If you have a smart meter, the smart meter analyser shows what your whole home actually uses.

Each appliance has its own page with what it costs and how to spend less: electric heater, oil-filled radiator, electric blanket, heated clothes airer, dehumidifier, tumble dryer, washing machine, air fryer, electric oven, slow cooker, kettle, fridge-freezer, electric shower, immersion heater.