Microwave Running Cost Calculator
Microwaves are one of the most-used appliances in any kitchen, but because each session only lasts a minute or two, the electricity cost tends to fly under the radar. This calculator adds it up for you. Enter how many times you use the microwave in a typical week, how much energy each session draws (in kWh), and your local electricity rate, and it returns your estimated yearly cost in dollars.
The formula is straightforward: uses per week multiplied by 52 weeks, then multiplied by the kWh per use and your rate. A typical countertop microwave pulls around 0.1 kWh per use at full power for a couple of minutes. If you are not sure of your exact rate, check your most recent utility bill or use the state average pre-filled in the rate field as a starting point.
The result is an estimate based on what you enter, not a meter reading. Actual costs vary depending on the microwave's wattage, how often you run it at partial power, and standby draw from the clock and display. Use the number to compare options or to see how a habit change, like heating fewer small items, affects your annual bill.
How the math works
Yearly cost = uses per week x 52 weeks x kWh per use x your $/kWh rate
Every spec in this tool comes from the product data behind our best large capacity countertop microwave 2 cu ft; see how we choose.
U.S. residential electricity rates by state
The calculator's state dropdown uses these numbers. Download the full table as CSV.
Show all 51 states & rates
| Alabama | 17.15 |
| Alaska | 27.17 |
| Arizona | 15.59 |
| Arkansas | 13.63 |
| California | 33.35 |
| Colorado | 16.74 |
| Connecticut | 30.47 |
| Delaware | 17.64 |
| District of Columbia | 25.0 |
| Florida | 14.86 |
| Georgia | 15.01 |
| Hawaii | 42.23 |
| Idaho | 13.01 |
| Illinois | 18.86 |
| Indiana | 17.85 |
| Iowa | 13.42 |
| Kansas | 15.34 |
| Kentucky | 14.88 |
| Louisiana | 14.16 |
| Maine | 28.32 |
| Maryland | 22.2 |
| Massachusetts | 30.21 |
| Michigan | 21.2 |
| Minnesota | 15.08 |
| Mississippi | 16.3 |
| Missouri | 13.44 |
| Montana | 13.48 |
| Nebraska | 13.1 |
| Nevada | 14.17 |
| New Hampshire | 26.92 |
| New Jersey | 23.49 |
| New Mexico | 14.81 |
| New York | 28.55 |
| North Carolina | 16.0 |
| North Dakota | 11.95 |
| Ohio | 18.78 |
| Oklahoma | 13.56 |
| Oregon | 14.89 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.92 |
| Rhode Island | 29.91 |
| South Carolina | 16.45 |
| South Dakota | 14.29 |
| Tennessee | 15.08 |
| Texas | 16.39 |
| Utah | 13.17 |
| Vermont | 24.11 |
| Virginia | 17.05 |
| Washington | 14.4 |
| West Virginia | 16.37 |
| Wisconsin | 18.8 |
| Wyoming | 13.59 |
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, March 2026. Retrieved 2026-06-10. U.S. average: 18.56 cents/kWh.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the kWh per use for my microwave?
Check the wattage on the label inside the door or in the manual. Divide wattage by 1000 to get kilowatts, then multiply by the number of hours you run it per session. For example, a 1200-watt microwave running for 2 minutes uses 0.04 kWh. Most people average closer to 0.1 kWh per session once you factor in longer reheating tasks.
Where do I find my electricity rate?
Your utility bill shows the rate in cents per kWh, usually labeled as the energy charge or supply charge. The U.S. residential average hovers around $0.17 per kWh, but rates vary widely by state and season. Using your actual rate gives you a more accurate result than the default.
Does the calculator include standby power?
No. The estimate covers only active cooking sessions based on what you enter. Microwaves with a clock and display draw a small amount of standby power around the clock, typically 2 to 7 watts. Over a full year that can add $2 to $7 to the total, depending on your rate.
How accurate is the yearly estimate?
It is a reasonable planning estimate, not a precise meter reading. The calculator assumes you run the microwave at full power for each session. If you frequently use lower power levels or shorter bursts, your real cost will be lower. Treat the result as a useful ballpark for budgeting or comparing microwave options.
Can I use this to compare a new microwave against my current one?
Yes. Run the calculator twice using the wattage of each model to estimate the kWh per use, keeping everything else the same. The difference in results shows roughly how much you would save or spend per year by switching. Higher wattage finishes jobs faster but uses more energy per minute, so total cost depends on your actual usage time.