Electrical Power Calculator

Calculate electrical power using voltage and current (P = V × I), or voltage and resistance, or current and resistance.

Enter any two values to calculate power.

Enter any two values to calculate power.

Electrical Power Formulas

P = V × I
P = V² / R
P = I² × R
Example: A 120 V outlet supplying 2 A of current.
P = 120 × 2 = 240 W

Understanding Power

  • Power measures the rate of energy transfer.
  • 1 watt = 1 joule per second.
  • Higher power means more energy used per unit time.

Common Power Ratings

DeviceTypical Power
LED bulb7–15 W
Laptop30–65 W
Microwave700–1200 W
Space heater1500 W
Hair dryer1000–1800 W

FAQ

What is the difference between watts and kilowatts?

1 kilowatt (kW) = 1000 watts. Your electricity bill is in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is power × time.

Does higher wattage mean more electricity cost?

Yes. Cost = Power (kW) × Time (hours) × Rate ($/kWh). A 100 W device running 10 hours uses 1 kWh.

Last updated: 2026-08-08