TV Electricity Cost Calculator: Screen Time & Standby
Turn your viewing schedule into an electricity estimate using actual TV input power.
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 cost12 kWh per month at 18.31¢/kWh
(100 W ÷ 1,000) × 4 h × 30 days × 100% × $0.1831 = $2.20At these watts and active time: $0.02 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 inputsMeasure the picture mode you use
Screen size alone does not give a reliable wattage. Enter measured average input power for your normal brightness and picture mode. The 100 W, four-hour example uses 0.4 kWh per day; at 20¢/kWh, that is $2.40 for 30 viewing days.
Build a complete entertainment estimate
A TV reading may exclude the streaming box, game console, soundbar, and receiver. Measure the group or estimate each item separately. Do not add the individual devices again if your first reading already measures the whole power strip.
Reference: Virginia Cooperative Extension: estimating appliance energy use
Does the calculator include standby?
The main result covers the hours and watts you enter. Run a separate estimate for standby hours, then add it without overlapping the viewing hours.
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 assumptionsTelevision cost at different electricity rates
This static worked example uses 100 W × 4 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 | $1.44 | $17.28 |
| 20¢/kWh | $2.40 | $28.80 |
| 30¢/kWh | $3.60 | $43.20 |
*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.