LED Light Bulb Electricity Cost Calculator
Use actual input watts, not the “60-watt equivalent” description on the box.
Your usage
Example inputsResults update as you type. All costs are in U.S. dollars. See result ↓
For your own rate, add per-kWh supply and delivery charges; leave out fixed fees. Find it on your bill →
Example result — edit inputs to match your use
Estimated electricity cost1.35 kWh per month at 18.31¢/kWh
(9 W ÷ 1,000) × 5 h × 30 days × 100% × $0.1831 = $0.25At these watts and active time: $0.00 per scheduled hour.
Daily is one day of use. Annual repeats your monthly schedule 12 times (not a 365-day forecast). Rates are held constant. Actual use may vary.
↑ Edit inputsAdd the actual watts of matching bulbs
One illustrative 9 W bulb used five hours a day uses 1.35 kWh over 30 days. At 20¢/kWh it costs $0.27. Ten identical bulbs on the same schedule total 90 W and $2.70. If their hours differ, calculate the groups separately.
Compare equal lighting needs
The equivalent-watt description helps compare light output with older bulb types; it is not the power to put into this calculator. Use the actual electrical wattage and compare a suitable brightness and lighting task. Electricity savings exclude purchase costs.
Reference: Virginia Cooperative Extension: estimating appliance energy use
How do I estimate the saving from replacing bulbs?
Subtract the new total input watts from the old total, then multiply by the same hours, days, and electricity rate after dividing watts by 1,000. A negative result means the chosen replacement setup uses more electricity.
Make the estimate yours
Replace the example values with measurements or the product label. Select your state for an official average, then override it with your bill’s variable rate when available.
Read the calculations and assumptionsLED lighting cost at different electricity rates
This static worked example uses 9 W × 5 hours/day × 30 days × 100% active time. These chosen rates show price sensitivity; they are not utility offers. The interactive result above uses your edited inputs.
| Electricity price | Monthly cost | Annual cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 12¢/kWh | $0.16 | $1.94 |
| 20¢/kWh | $0.27 | $3.24 |
| 30¢/kWh | $0.40 | $4.86 |
*Annual cost repeats this monthly pattern 12 times. Use your actual season length for seasonal equipment. Values are rounded only for display.
Practical energy guides
Watts to kWh: Calculate Energy Use and Electricity Cost
Convert watts, kilowatts, and minutes into kWh with worked examples. Learn why a wattage alone cannot tell you monthly electricity use.
Understand your billHow to Find Your Electricity Rate on Your Bill
Find the right cents-per-kWh rate for an appliance calculator. Separate supply, delivery, fixed fees, and time-of-use charges with a worked bill example.