watts calculator

Electrical Watts Calculator

Enter any two values (Volts, Amps, Watts), leave one blank, and click calculate. Optional fields can estimate daily energy use and monthly electricity cost.

Use 1 for purely resistive loads. Common AC devices may be 0.6 to 0.95.

What Is a Watt?

A watt (W) is a unit of power. It tells you how fast electrical energy is being used. If a device uses 100 watts, it consumes energy faster than a 10-watt device.

In basic electrical calculations, power is connected to voltage and current using this formula: Watts = Volts × Amps. For many AC loads, power factor also matters: Watts = Volts × Amps × Power Factor.

Core Formulas Used in This Calculator

1) Solve for Power (Watts)

P = V × I × PF

  • P = power in watts
  • V = voltage in volts
  • I = current in amps
  • PF = power factor (default 1)

2) Solve for Current (Amps)

I = P / (V × PF)

3) Solve for Voltage (Volts)

V = P / (I × PF)

Energy and Cost Estimates

Power tells you the rate of energy use, while energy bills are based on kilowatt-hours (kWh). Once watts are known, the calculator also estimates:

  • Daily energy: (Watts × Hours per day) ÷ 1000
  • Monthly energy: Daily kWh × 30
  • Monthly cost: Monthly kWh × electricity rate

Practical Examples

Example A: Laptop Charger

Suppose your charger runs at 20V and 3A with PF = 1. Power is 20 × 3 × 1 = 60W.

Example B: Small Heater

A heater draws 12.5A on a 120V line. Power is 120 × 12.5 = 1500W. If used 2 hours/day, energy is 3.0 kWh/day.

Example C: Estimating Bill Impact

A 100W device running 8 hours/day uses 0.8 kWh/day. At $0.15/kWh, that is about $0.12/day, or about $3.60/month.

Tips for Accurate Results

  • Use measured values from a meter when possible.
  • For AC motors and compressors, include a realistic power factor.
  • Keep units consistent: volts, amps, watts, and kWh.
  • Treat cost results as estimates; utility tariffs can vary by season and time-of-use.

Safety Reminder

This calculator is for planning and estimation. Electrical systems can be hazardous. If you are unsure about wiring, load limits, breaker sizing, or code compliance, consult a licensed electrician.

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