How Much Does a 200-watt desktop computer Cost to Run?
A 200-watt desktop computer uses 0.2 kWh per hour and costs $0.035 per hour at $0.175/kWh. Used 6 hours a day, that is $0.21 per day, $6.30 per month and $76.65 per year.
Calculate your own cost
- Per hour
- $0.0350.2 kWh
- Per day
- $0.211.2 kWh
- Per week
- $1.478.4 kWh
- Per month (30 days)
- $6.3036 kWh
- Per year
- $76.65438 kWh
Formula: watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × rate. Edit any box and every number updates instantly.
People also ask
How much does a 200-watt desktop computer cost per hour?
At $0.175/kWh, it costs $0.035 per hour. The maths: 200 W ÷ 1,000 = 0.2 kWh per hour, × $0.175 = $0.035.
How much does it cost per month?
Used 6 hours a day for 30 days, it costs about $6.30 per month and uses 36 kWh. Change the hours in the calculator above to match how you use it.
How many kWh does it use?
1.2 kWh per day, 36 kWh per month and 438 kWh per year at 6 hours a day. A kWh is one kilowatt (1,000 W) used for one hour. It is the unit on your electricity bill.
How can I lower the cost?
Use sleep mode after 15 minutes idle and turn off the power strip at night. Check your bill for the exact rate and enter it above.
Does my electricity rate change the answer?
Yes, a lot. At 10¢ per kWh the monthly cost is $3.60 and at 30¢ it is $10.80. Find your rate on your bill (total cost ÷ kWh used) and type it into the calculator.
Cost by hours of use
| Used per day | Energy per day | Cost per day | Cost per month | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.2 kWh | $0.035 | $1.05 | $12.78 |
| 2 hours | 0.4 kWh | $0.07 | $2.10 | $25.55 |
| 3 hours | 0.6 kWh | $0.105 | $3.15 | $38.33 |
| 4 hours | 0.8 kWh | $0.14 | $4.20 | $51.10 |
| 5 hours | 1 kWh | $0.175 | $5.25 | $63.88 |
| 6 hours | 1.2 kWh | $0.21 | $6.30 | $76.65 |
| 7 hours | 1.4 kWh | $0.245 | $7.35 | $89.43 |
| 8 hours | 1.6 kWh | $0.28 | $8.40 | $102.20 |
| 9 hours | 1.8 kWh | $0.315 | $9.45 | $114.98 |
| 10 hours | 2 kWh | $0.35 | $10.50 | $127.75 |
| 11 hours | 2.2 kWh | $0.385 | $11.55 | $140.53 |
| 12 hours | 2.4 kWh | $0.42 | $12.60 | $153.30 |
| 13 hours | 2.6 kWh | $0.455 | $13.65 | $166.08 |
| 14 hours | 2.8 kWh | $0.49 | $14.70 | $178.85 |
| 15 hours | 3 kWh | $0.525 | $15.75 | $191.63 |
| 16 hours | 3.2 kWh | $0.56 | $16.80 | $204.40 |
| 17 hours | 3.4 kWh | $0.595 | $17.85 | $217.18 |
| 18 hours | 3.6 kWh | $0.63 | $18.90 | $229.95 |
| 19 hours | 3.8 kWh | $0.665 | $19.95 | $242.73 |
| 20 hours | 4 kWh | $0.70 | $21.00 | $255.50 |
| 21 hours | 4.2 kWh | $0.735 | $22.05 | $268.28 |
| 22 hours | 4.4 kWh | $0.77 | $23.10 | $281.05 |
| 23 hours | 4.6 kWh | $0.805 | $24.15 | $293.83 |
| 24 hours | 4.8 kWh | $0.84 | $25.20 | $306.60 |
How we worked it out
- Energy per hour: 200 W ÷ 1,000 = 0.2 kWh
- Cost per hour: 0.2 kWh × $0.175 = $0.035
- Cost per day: × 6 hours = $0.21
- Month and year: × 30 days = $6.30, × 365 days = $76.65
What it costs in different places
Same 200-watt desktop computer, 6 hours a day. Only the local electricity rate changes.
| Place | Rate per kWh | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $0.175 | $6.30 |
| California | $0.32 | $11.52 |
| Texas | $0.155 | $5.58 |
| New York | $0.25 | $9.00 |
| Florida | $0.155 | $5.58 |
| Illinois | $0.17 | $6.12 |
| Pennsylvania | $0.18 | $6.48 |
| Ohio | $0.17 | $6.12 |
| Washington | $0.115 | $4.14 |
About desktop computer running costs
A typical office desktop uses 100 to 200 W including the processor, drives and fans. The monitor is extra.
Typical sizes: 100 W, 200 W, 300 W, 400 W.
How to spend less: Use sleep mode after 15 minutes idle and turn off the power strip at night.
What this estimate assumes
- The appliance draws its full stated wattage the whole time it is on. Real units with a thermostat cycle off and cost less.
- Wattage is the typical label value, not a measured value. Check the label on your own appliance.
- The rate is an approximate residential average. Your bill may include fixed fees, tiers or time-of-use pricing. Edit the rate above.
- A month is 30 days and a year is 365 days.