Electric Bill Calculator UK
Instantly estimate your electricity costs based on appliance wattage, usage hours, and current kWh unit rates. Perfect for UK households managing their energy budget.
Estimate Energy Costs
Enter your appliance’s wattage, daily usage, and your electricity tariff details below to instantly see the estimated running costs in pounds (£).
UK Electricity Cost Calculator
Get instant daily, monthly, and yearly cost estimates for any appliance.
Understanding Your UK Bill
Key concepts to help you read and manage your energy costs
Kilowatt-hours (kWh)
This is the standard unit of energy. One kWh equals using 1,000 watts of power for one hour. Your bill charges you per kWh consumed.
Unit Rate vs. Standing Charge
Your bill has two parts: the ‘unit rate’ (cost per kWh used) and the ‘standing charge’ (a fixed daily fee for grid maintenance, regardless of usage).
VAT on Domestic Energy
In the UK, domestic electricity and gas are charged at a reduced VAT rate of 5%, which is usually already included in the unit rates quoted by suppliers.
The Energy Price Cap
Ofgem sets a quarterly price cap limiting what suppliers can charge per kWh and per day for standing charges on default tariffs, protecting consumers from extreme price spikes.
Common Appliance Costs
Estimated running costs for common UK household appliances (based on 24.5p/kWh, excluding standing charge).
| Appliance | Avg. Wattage (W) | Cost per Hour | Est. Monthly Cost (1 hr/day) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Light Bulb | 10 W | £0.002 | £0.07 | |
| Laptop Computer | 50 W | £0.012 | £0.37 | |
| LED Television (40-50″) | 100 W | £0.025 | £0.75 | |
| Fridge Freezer (A+ Rated) | 150 W | £0.037 | £8.94 (24 hrs/day) | |
| Washing Machine | 2,000 W | £0.49 | £1.47 (3 hrs/week) | |
| Electric Heater (1 Bar) | 1,000 W | £0.25 | £7.50 (1 hr/day) | |
| Tumble Dryer | 2,500 W | £0.61 | £7.35 (3 hrs/week) | |
| Electric Oven | 2,400 W | £0.59 | £7.05 (3 hrs/week) |
Energy Bill FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about UK electricity bills, tariffs, and energy saving.
To calculate your electric bill, find the appliance’s wattage. Multiply the wattage by the hours used per day, then divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours (kWh). Multiply the kWh by your unit rate (in pence), then divide by 100 to get the cost in pounds. Finally, add your daily standing charge to get the total daily cost.
As of the latest Ofgem Energy Price Cap, the average electricity unit rate is approximately 24.5p per kWh, with a daily standing charge of around 60p. However, rates vary significantly by supplier, region, and specific tariff, so always check your latest bill for your exact figures.
A standing charge is a fixed daily fee added to your energy bill, regardless of how much electricity you actually use. It covers the costs of maintaining the national grid, meter readings, administrative services, and government social/environmental obligations.
You can reduce your bill by switching to LED light bulbs, unplugging devices on standby, using appliances during off-peak hours (if on a time-of-use tariff), improving home insulation, washing clothes at 30°C, and regularly comparing energy tariffs to ensure you are on the best available deal.
The wattage is usually printed on a rating plate or sticker on the back or bottom of the appliance. It may be listed as “W” or “Watts”. If only Volts (V) and Amps (A) are listed, you can calculate watts by multiplying them together (Watts = Volts × Amps).