How Much Does It Cost to Run a Microwave?
A microwave draws around 1,000 watts but only for minutes at a time, so its cost per use is tiny. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a microwave costs about $2.51/month ($30.08/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.
Cost to run a microwave
$30/yr
- Per day
- $0.08
- Per month
- $2.51
- Energy per year
- 183 kWh
Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.
How much electricity does a microwave use?
At 1,000 W for 0.5 hours a day, a microwave uses about 0.5 kWh per day — roughly 15 kWh per month and 183 kWh per year. That's about 2% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.
Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a microwave draws.
Cost to run a microwave by electricity rate
Same 1,000 W appliance, 0.5 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.
| Scenario | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest states (North Dakota) | 11.5¢ | $1.75 | $21.01 |
| US average | 16.5¢ | $2.51 | $30.08 |
| Most expensive (Hawaii) | 42.9¢ | $6.52 | $78.22 |
Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.
Measure what a microwave really costs you
The estimate above uses typical wattage and hours. A plug-in energy meter logs the kilowatt-hours this appliance actually uses — leave it in for a week, multiply by your rate, and the estimate becomes a measurement. A whole-home monitor does the same for every circuit at once, but its sensors install inside the panel.
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Plug-in power meter
P3 International Kill A Watt P4400
Best for: Measuring what one plug-in appliance really uses
Whole-home energy monitor
Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor (16 circuit sensors)
Best for: Measuring hardwired and 240 V loads, or every circuit at once
Frequently asked questions
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