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How much does a microwave cost to run?

A microwave typically draws around 1000 W while running. Ratings vary widely between models, so check the label and change the figure below.

per kWh
W
g CO2 per kWh
Cost per year
27.98
= Exact Running cost of a microwave
Cost per month
2.33
Cost per day
0.08
Cost per hour of use
0.28
Energy per year
99.9 kWh
Energy per day
0.2738 kWh
Carbon dioxide per year
25.0
Annual cost of standby alone
2.43
Show the working
  1. Power = 1000
  2. Hours per day = 0.25
  3. Days per year in use = 365
  4. Electricity price = 0.28
  5. Standby power = 1
  6. Grid carbon intensity = 250
  7. kw = 1000 / 1000 = 1
  8. daily_kwh = 1 * 0.25 = 0.25
  9. standby_kwh = 1 / 1000 * (24 - 0.25) = 0.023 75
  10. Energy per day = 0.25 + 0.023 75 = 0.273 75
  11. Energy per year = 0.273 75 * 365 = 99.9188
  12. Cost per day = 0.273 75 * 0.28 = 0.076 65
  13. Cost per year = 99.9188 * 0.28 = 27.9773
  14. Cost per month = 27.9773 / 12 = 2.331 44
  15. Cost per hour of use = 1 * 0.28 = 0.28
  16. Carbon dioxide per year = 99.9188 * 250 / 1000 = 24.9797
  17. Annual cost of standby alone = 0.023 75 * 365 * 0.28 = 2.427 25

Values are shown to six significant figures here; the arithmetic itself runs on exact fractions and is only rounded where a number is printed.

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    The formula

    • daily energy = power in kW x hours
    • annual cost = daily energy x days x price per kWh

    Nameplate wattage is the maximum draw, not the average. A cycling appliance like a fridge or a freezer averages far less.

    Standby draw is small per device and adds up across a house: ten devices at 2 W each is 175 kWh a year.

    Running cost of a microwave at different tariffs

    Price per kWh Per hour Per year at 0.25 h/day
    0.10 0.10009.13
    0.15 0.150013.69
    0.20 0.200018.25
    0.25 0.250022.81
    0.30 0.300027.38
    0.40 0.400036.50

    Frequently asked

    How many watts does a microwave use?

    Typically around 1000 W while running, though models vary. Check the rating plate.

    How much electricity does it use per day?

    About 0.25 kWh at 0.25 hours of use.

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