WattCostCalc

How Much Electricity Does A Hair Dryer Use?

A hair dryer typically uses about 1,500 watts while running. At 0.2 hours a day that is 0.3 kWh per day, 9 kWh per month and 110 kWh per year.

0.3 kWh/daytypical use

Calculate your own cost

Hours per day:
$0.053per day
Per hour
$0.2631.5 kWh
Per day
$0.0530.3 kWh
Per week
$0.3682.1 kWh
Per month (30 days)
$1.589 kWh
Per year
$19.16110 kWh

Formula: watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × rate. Edit any box and every number updates instantly.

People also ask

How much does a 1,500-watt hair dryer cost per hour?

At $0.175/kWh, it costs $0.263 per hour. The maths: 1,500 W ÷ 1,000 = 1.5 kWh per hour, × $0.175 = $0.263.

How much does it cost per month?

Used 0.2 hours a day for 30 days, it costs about $1.58 per month and uses 9 kWh. Change the hours in the calculator above to match how you use it.

How many kWh does it use?

0.3 kWh per day, 9 kWh per month and 110 kWh per year at 0.2 hours a day. A kWh is one kilowatt (1,000 W) used for one hour. It is the unit on your electricity bill.

How can I lower the cost?

Towel dry first and use the low-heat setting when you can. Check your bill for the exact rate and enter it above.

Does my electricity rate change the answer?

Yes, a lot. At 10¢ per kWh the monthly cost is $0.90 and at 30¢ it is $2.70. Find your rate on your bill (total cost ÷ kWh used) and type it into the calculator.

Cost by hours of use

Used per dayEnergy per dayCost per dayCost per monthCost per year
1 hour1.5 kWh$0.263$7.88$95.81
2 hours3 kWh$0.525$15.75$191.63
3 hours4.5 kWh$0.788$23.63$287.44
4 hours6 kWh$1.05$31.50$383.25
5 hours7.5 kWh$1.31$39.38$479.06
6 hours9 kWh$1.58$47.25$574.88
7 hours10.5 kWh$1.84$55.13$670.69
8 hours12 kWh$2.10$63.00$766.50
9 hours13.5 kWh$2.36$70.88$862.31
10 hours15 kWh$2.63$78.75$958.13
11 hours16.5 kWh$2.89$86.63$1,053.94
12 hours18 kWh$3.15$94.50$1,149.75
13 hours19.5 kWh$3.41$102.38$1,245.56
14 hours21 kWh$3.68$110.25$1,341.38
15 hours22.5 kWh$3.94$118.13$1,437.19
16 hours24 kWh$4.20$126.00$1,533.00
17 hours25.5 kWh$4.46$133.88$1,628.81
18 hours27 kWh$4.73$141.75$1,724.63
19 hours28.5 kWh$4.99$149.63$1,820.44
20 hours30 kWh$5.25$157.50$1,916.25
21 hours31.5 kWh$5.51$165.38$2,012.06
22 hours33 kWh$5.78$173.25$2,107.88
23 hours34.5 kWh$6.04$181.13$2,203.69
24 hours36 kWh$6.30$189.00$2,299.50

How we worked it out

  1. Energy per hour: 1,500 W ÷ 1,000 = 1.5 kWh
  2. Cost per hour: 1.5 kWh × $0.175 = $0.263
  3. Cost per day: × 0.2 hours = $0.053
  4. Month and year: × 30 days = $1.58, × 365 days = $19.16

About hair dryer running costs

Hair dryers have high wattage but short use, so the cost per session is small.

Typical sizes: 1,200 W, 1,500 W, 1,875 W, 2,000 W.

How to spend less: Towel dry first and use the low-heat setting when you can.

What this estimate assumes

  • The appliance draws its full stated wattage the whole time it is on. Real units with a thermostat cycle off and cost less.
  • Wattage is the typical label value, not a measured value. Check the label on your own appliance.
  • The rate is an approximate residential average. Your bill may include fixed fees, tiers or time-of-use pricing. Edit the rate above.
  • A month is 30 days and a year is 365 days.

Read the full calculation methodology

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