Computer Electricity Cost
Estimate the cost of running a desktop computer for work or study at home.
Computer running cost calculator
Example: 100 W. Example for a desktop computer with monitor during everyday work.
e.g. 0.25 = 15 min
0 to 7
Example rate — enter your own tariff.
Estimated cost to run your computer
£0.15per day used
Uses 0.6 kWh on each day it's used (100 W × 6 h).
How it works: cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh. Standing charges aren't included because you pay them whether or not the appliance is on.
Estimates only. Real consumption depends on the model, settings and how the appliance is used.
How computer electricity use is measured
Everyday office tasks use far less power than gaming. A desktop with a monitor might draw somewhere around 50–150 W, but your setup could differ. A plug-in energy monitor gives the most accurate number.
How to calculate your computer running cost
Cost = power (kW) × hours used × price per kWh
Example only: at 100 W for 6 hours, a computer would use about 0.6 kWh, costing around £0.15 at 25p per kWh. Used 5 days a week, that's roughly 156 kWh and £39.11 a year. Your own figures may be quite different.
Why actual usage varies
- Desktop or laptop.
- Monitor count and size.
- Sleep and power-saving settings.
- Hours used.
Ways to reduce the cost
- Enable sleep after a few minutes idle.
- Switch monitors off at the end of the day.
- Use a laptop for light tasks if you have one.
To include all your household use, try the electricity cost calculator, or price any other device with the appliance electricity cost calculator.