Utility Check
office

Cost to run a desktop computer

A typical desktop with a monitor draws about 200 W under normal use. Gaming PCs or workstations can pull 400–600 W.

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US average: $0.16/kWh. CA & HI: $0.30+. Look at any electric bill for your exact rate.

Estimated cost

Wattage
200 W
kWh per hour
0.200
Cost per hour
$0.03
Cost per day
$0.19
Cost per month
$5.76
Cost per year
$70

Ways to lower the cost

  • •Enable sleep mode after 10–15 minutes of idle time.
  • •Switch to a laptop (15–30 W) for general office use.
  • •Power down monitors at end of day — they use 30–50 W on standby otherwise.

Want to verify your actual rate?

Many bills are wrong about the rate they apply. A free bill check confirms what you're really paying per kWh.