Updated June 25, 2026
Microwave Running Cost Calculator
Calculate microwave electricity cost per use, day, month, and year from its input wattage.
Live calculator
Calculate your actual running cost
Running this microwave for 0.17 hours a day, 7 days a week uses about 7.2 kWh each month.
Quick answer
How much does a microwave cost to run?
A 1,400 W microwave used for 0.17 hours a day, 7 days a week, consumes about 7.2 kWh per month. At $0.30 per kWh, that is approximately $2.17 per month. Replace these example figures with the wattage and electricity rate from your appliance and bill.
What changes the real running cost?
A microwave's advertised cooking output is lower than its electrical input. Use the input power shown on the rating label for cost calculations.
Ten minutes of daily use equals 0.167 hours. Include only active cooking time.
Example microwave costs
These examples use 1,400 W for 0.17 hours a day and 7 days per week.
| Electricity rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.15 / kWh | $0.21 | $1.08 | $12.99 |
| $0.25 / kWh | $0.35 | $1.80 | $21.66 |
| $0.35 / kWh | $0.49 | $2.53 | $30.32 |
Ways to reduce the cost
Start with changes that reduce active runtime without compromising safety or the job the appliance needs to do.
- Use the correct power level and time.
- Cover food where appropriate to reduce cooking time.
- Use the microwave for small portions instead of heating a full oven.
Estimate only. Actual consumption varies by model, setting, condition, temperature, duty cycle, and tariff. Use a plug-in meter or energy-label figure when accuracy matters.