Cost to run a laptop computer
Electronics · typical wattage 50 W (20 W-100 W)
A laptop computer draws about 20 W-100 W (typically 50 W). Run 6 hours a day, it uses about 110 kWh/year, which costs roughly $1.69/month and $20.32/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
Laptop computer at a glance
| Figure | Laptop computer |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 50 W (20 W-100 W) |
| Assumed usage | 6 h/day, 365 days/yr |
| Energy used | 110 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $1.69 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $20.32 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (3 h/day) | $0.84 | $10.16 |
| Typical use (6 h/day) | $1.67 | $20.32 |
| Heavy use (9 h/day) | $2.51 | $30.48 |
Cost at different state rates
The same laptop computer at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $1.69 | $20.32 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $1.30 | $15.77 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $1.48 | $17.95 |
| California (33.35¢) | $3.00 | $36.52 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
Laptops draw about 20–100 W while charging/in use — a fraction of a desktop.
Tip to cut the cost: Unplug the charger when fully charged to trim a little standby draw.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a laptop computer?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a laptop computer (about 20 W-100 W, typically 50 W) used 6 hours a day costs roughly $1.69 per month and $20.32 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a laptop computer use?
Laptops draw about 20–100 W while charging/in use — a fraction of a desktop.
How much electricity does a laptop computer use per year?
About 110 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 0.30 kWh per day at 6 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a laptop computer?
Unplug the charger when fully charged to trim a little standby draw.
Keep exploring
Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20