Watts to Kilowatts
Convert Watts to Kilowatts & Calculate Your Energy Costs
Enter appliance wattage from its label (1 to 100,000 W).
How many hours you use it daily (0 to 24).
Common appliances:
Conversion & Cost Analysis
Energy tip:
This uses 1,620 kWh yearly. Consider an energy-efficient model.
How Watts to Kilowatts Conversion Works
Converting watts to kilowatts is essential for understanding electricity consumption and costs. While appliance labels show watts (like “1500W” on a hair dryer), electricity bills charge by kilowatt-hours (kWh). Knowing how to convert between these units helps you estimate energy costs, compare appliance efficiency, and make informed purchasing decisions that save money over time.
The Simple Conversion Formula
Kilowatts (kW) = Watts (W) ÷ 1000
That’s all there is to it. One kilowatt equals 1000 watts. To find energy consumption: kWh = kW x hours. Our calculator does both conversions instantly.
The real value comes from translating watts into meaningful cost information. A 1500W space heater running 3 hours daily uses 4.5 kWh per day. At $0.15 per kWh, that’s $0.68 daily or $20.25 monthly. Our calculator shows both the straight conversion (watts to kW) and the practical implications (monthly cost) so you can make smarter energy decisions.
💰 Real-World Example:
You’re comparing two air conditioners for your bedroom.
Option A: 8000 BTU, 900W, Energy Star rated
Option B: 8000 BTU, 1200W, standard efficiency
Step 1: Convert both to kW: 0.9 kW vs 1.2 kW.
Step 2: Calculate summer usage (8h/day, 90 days):
Option A: 0.9 kW × 8h × 90 days = 648 kWh
Option B: 1.2 kW × 8h × 90 days = 864 kWh
Step 3: Calculate cost difference ($0.15/kWh):
Option A: $97.20 • Option B: $129.60
Result: The efficient model saves $32.40 per summer, paying for any price difference quickly.
Why This Conversion Matters for Your Wallet
In the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany, understanding watts to kilowatts conversion directly impacts household budgets. Specific situations where accurate conversion saves money include:
- Appliance Purchases: Efficient models have lower wattage. Converting to kW helps calculate lifetime energy savings versus purchase price.
- Solar System Sizing: Solar panels produce kW. Converting appliance watts to kW helps determine how many panels you need.
- Electric Vehicle Charging: Home chargers use kW. Converting from your car’s battery capacity (kWh) to charger kW helps estimate charging time.
- Home Office Setup: Computers, monitors, and peripherals show watts. Converting to kW helps estimate work-from-home electricity costs.
- Heating and Cooling: HVAC systems are major energy users. Converting their wattage to kW reveals seasonal cost impacts.
- Renewable Energy: Understanding kW helps compare solar/wind system outputs with your household wattage needs.
Common Watts to kW Questions
How many kilowatts is 2000 watts?
2000 watts equals exactly 2 kilowatts. This is an easy conversion since it’s a round number. 2000 ÷ 1000 = 2 kW. A 2000W space heater running 4 hours daily uses 8 kWh (2 kW × 4h), costing about $1.20 daily at $0.15/kWh.
What’s the difference between kW and kWh?
kW (kilowatts) measures power (rate of energy use). kWh (kilowatt-hours) measures energy (power × time). Example: A 1 kW appliance running for 1 hour uses 1 kWh. Electricity bills charge per kWh consumed.
Why do some appliances show watts and others show amps?
Watts = Volts × Amps. In the US (120V), a 15A circuit delivers 1800W max. Appliances show watts for power consumption or amps for circuit requirements. Convert amps to watts: Amps × Volts = Watts.
How accurate are the cost estimates?
Our calculator uses $0.15/kWh US average. Actual rates vary: California ($0.23), Texas ($0.12), Germany ($0.35), UK ($0.28). For accurate estimates, use your local rate from your electricity bill. The kWh calculation (watts ÷ 1000 × hours) is always exact.
Reference Table: Watts to Kilowatts & Cost Examples
This table shows conversions and estimated monthly costs for common appliances at average usage. Costs based on $0.15/kWh, 30 days per month.
| Appliance | Watts (W) | Kilowatts (kW) | Daily Hours | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED Light Bulb | 10 W | 0.01 kW | 5 hours | $0.23 |
| Laptop Computer | 60 W | 0.06 kW | 8 hours | $2.16 |
| Refrigerator | 150 W | 0.15 kW | 8 hours* | $5.40 |
| Microwave Oven | 1200 W | 1.20 kW | 0.25 hours | $1.35 |
| Hair Dryer | 1500 W | 1.50 kW | 0.25 hours | $1.69 |
| Space Heater | 1500 W | 1.50 kW | 4 hours | $27.00 |
| Window AC Unit | 1500 W | 1.50 kW | 8 hours | $54.00 |
| Electric Dryer | 3000 W | 3.00 kW | 0.5 hours | $6.75 |
| Water Heater | 4500 W | 4.50 kW | 3 hours | $60.75 |
| Central AC | 5000 W | 5.00 kW | 6 hours | $135.00 |
| Electric Car Charger | 7200 W | 7.20 kW | 2 hours | $64.80 |
Smart Energy Saving Strategy
Focus on high-wattage appliances used for long periods. A 1500W space heater used 4 hours daily costs $27/month, while ten 10W LED bulbs used 5 hours daily cost only $2.30/month combined. When shopping, calculate the “energy cost premium”: If an efficient model costs $50 more but saves $20/year in electricity, it pays back in 2.5 years. Use our calculator to compare any two appliances by entering their wattage and your usage patterns. Remember that “phantom load” (devices on standby) adds up: a typical home has 40W of constant standby power, costing about $4.30 monthly ($52 yearly).
Watts to Kilowatts Conversion & Cost Analysis
Appliance Power: 1,500 W
Daily Usage: 3 hours/day
Kilowatts: 1.50 kW
Monthly Consumption: 135.00 kWh
Estimated Monthly Cost: $20.25
Generated by Watts to Kilowatts Converter • https://example.com