Updated August 24, 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 £0.2611 per kWh (Ofgem GB illustration for Jul–Sep 2026), that is approximately £1.88 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.
Assumptions used in this example
This page starts with 1,400 watts, 0.17 hours of use per day, and 7 days per week. Those defaults are only a practical starting point. Replace them with the number on your product label, energy label, smart plug, or electricity bill.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £0.20 / kWh | £0.28 | £1.44 | £17.33 |
| £0.26 / kWh | £0.37 | £1.88 | £22.62 |
| £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.
FAQ
Microwave running cost questions
How do I calculate microwave running cost?
Divide the watts by 1,000 to get kilowatts, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh. This page pre-fills 1,400 W, 0.17 hours per day, and 7 days per week as a starting example.
How much does a microwave cost per hour?
At 1,400 W and £0.2611 per kWh (an Ofgem GB cap illustration), the example cost is about £0.37 per hour while it is actively using that power. Change the rate field to match your own bill.
Why might my real microwave cost be different?
Ten minutes of daily use equals 0.167 hours. Include only active cooking time.
Should I use rated watts or measured watts?
Rated watts are useful for a quick estimate, but measured wall power or an energy-label kWh figure is usually more accurate because many appliances cycle on and off or change power during use.
Does the calculator include standing charges, taxes, or demand charges?
No. The calculator estimates usage cost from kWh only. If your bill includes standing charges, taxes, delivery fees, or demand charges, add those separately.
Can I share my result?
Yes. Use the share or copy button after entering your wattage, hours, days, rate, and currency. The page stores those inputs in the URL so you can revisit the same estimate.