Standby-power cost calculator
Reveal the annual cost of routers, televisions, consoles, chargers, smart devices, and other always-on loads.
Worked calculation
A complete standby power example
0.008 kW is multiplied by scheduled time and the 100% active-runtime assumption. The inputs are examples, not claims about every device. Replace each one with the label, meter reading, schedule, and tariff that apply to you.
Annual standby kWh = watts ÷ 1,000 × 24 × 3658 W · 24 hours/day · 7 days/week · 100% active
- Monthly energy
- 5.8 kWh
- Monthly cost
- US$1.05
- Annual cost
- US$12.58
Transparent method
The calculation
Annual standby kWh = watts ÷ 1,000 × 24 × 365Small loads become meaningful when they persist across nearly 8,760 hours each year. Add the wattage of devices that are genuinely always on.
Read the full methodology →Sensitivity check
Run three scenarios.
One deviceMeasure a single suspect appliance.
Media cabinetAdd television, console, receiver, and speakers.
Whole-home base loadUse an overnight meter reading with care.
Use the result well
What can change the answer?
- Do not disconnect security, medical, network, or temperature-control equipment blindly.
- Smart plugs also consume a small amount.
- Some devices wake periodically and need multi-day measurement.
Calculation standards
Visible inputs. Reproducible results.
WhoPowerCost Lab's research desk maintains the formulas, market notes, and worked examples.
HowEnergy, tariff, and behavioural assumptions stay separate so readers can replace one input without hiding the others.
WhyThe page exists to answer an operating-cost decision. Advertising never changes a formula, default, or recommendation.