Electricity Cost Calculator – Estimate Your Appliance Running Cost
Your electricity bill at the end of the month often comes as a shock — but it doesn’t have to. Our Electricity Running Cost Calculator lets you calculate exactly how much any home appliance costs to run per day, per month, and per year based on its wattage, daily usage hours, and your local electricity tariff (₹/unit). Know where your money is actually going before your next bill arrives.
How to Use the Electricity Cost Calculator
- Enter the appliance wattage — found on the product label, user manual, or specification sheet. For ACs, use the rated input power (not cooling capacity).
- Enter daily usage hours — how many hours per day you typically run the appliance.
- Enter your electricity tariff — your state’s per-unit rate in ₹/kWh. Check your electricity bill or your DISCOM’s website.
- Click Calculate to see daily, monthly, and annual running cost in rupees.
- Add multiple appliances one by one to see your total household electricity cost.
Typical Appliance Wattage Reference (India)
| Appliance | Typical Wattage | Monthly Cost (8 hrs/day, ₹8/unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Ton Split AC (5-star) | 1,200 – 1,500 W | ₹2,304 – ₹2,880 |
| Refrigerator (300L) | 100 – 150 W | ₹576 – ₹864 |
| Ceiling Fan | 50 – 75 W | ₹96 – ₹144 |
| LED TV (43 inch) | 60 – 100 W | ₹115 – ₹192 |
| Washing Machine | 400 – 800 W | ₹48 – ₹96 (1 hr/day) |
| Water Heater/Geyser | 2,000 W | ₹384 (30 min/day) |
| Microwave | 700 – 1,200 W | ₹67 – ₹115 (30 min/day) |
| Induction Cooktop | 1,200 – 2,000 W | ₹230 – ₹384 (1 hr/day) |
Average Electricity Tariffs Across Indian States (2026)
Electricity tariffs vary significantly by state. As a general reference: Delhi charges ₹3–8/unit (with a free slab for first 200 units), Maharashtra ₹6–9/unit, Karnataka ₹5–8/unit, Tamil Nadu ₹4–8/unit, Gujarat ₹5–7/unit. Always check your latest electricity bill for your actual tariff — rates are revised regularly and vary by consumption slab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1 unit of electricity?
1 unit of electricity = 1 kilowatt-hour (1 kWh). This is the energy consumed by a 1,000 watt (1 kW) appliance running for exactly 1 hour. A 100W bulb running for 10 hours = 1 unit. A 1,500W AC running for 1 hour = 1.5 units. Your electricity bill charges you per unit consumed at your state’s tariff rate.
How do I find the wattage of my appliance?
The wattage (or power consumption) is printed on a label on the appliance — usually on the back, bottom, or inside the door. For ACs, use the “rated input power” (in watts) from the specification sticker, not the “cooling capacity” or tonnage. For appliances sold in India, the BEE energy label also shows annual energy consumption in kWh, which you can divide by annual usage hours to estimate wattage.
Why is my actual electricity bill higher than the calculator estimates?
A few reasons: (1) Your actual usage may be higher than what you entered. (2) Your tariff may be on a slab system — the more units you consume, the higher the rate per unit. (3) Fixed charges, meter rent, and taxes are added to the energy charge in your bill. (4) Inverter ACs consume variable wattage based on load — their actual consumption is an average, not the peak rated wattage.
Which appliance uses the most electricity in an Indian home?
Air conditioners are the single biggest electricity consumer in Indian homes — a 1.5 ton AC running 8 hours per day can add ₹2,000–₹3,500 to your monthly bill depending on efficiency rating and tariff. Water heaters, induction cooktops, washing machines, and refrigerators follow. Fans and LED lighting, while used constantly, consume relatively little.
How much does a 5-star AC save vs a 3-star AC on electricity?
A 5-star AC typically uses 20–35% less electricity than a 3-star AC of the same tonnage. For a 1.5 ton AC running 8 hours/day in summer (5 months/year), this can mean saving ₹3,000–₹6,000 per year. Over a 10-year lifespan, a 5-star model can pay back its price premium several times over in electricity savings.
How can I reduce my home electricity bill?
The most impactful steps: (1) Set your AC to 24°C instead of 18°C — each degree lower increases consumption by 6%. (2) Service your AC annually for optimal efficiency. (3) Switch to 5-star rated appliances when replacing old ones. (4) Use LED bulbs throughout. (5) Unplug chargers and electronics on standby — they draw phantom loads. (6) Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads only.
Also useful: AC Tonnage Calculator — Find the right AC size for your room → | All free calculators →
Enter the actual wattage printed on the appliance's rating label for the most accurate estimate — that figure already reflects its star rating.