How much does a laptop cost to charge and run?
Separate the cost of charging a battery from the cost of using a laptop. The examples below show both, with explicit battery, power and runtime assumptions.
Content reviewed 2026-09-27 · Rates published 2026-09-24 · methodology appliance-energy-1.0.0 · data vintage 2026-07-ytd
Using the mainstream 15-inch assumptions below, electricity costs about $0.05 per day of use and $1.39 for 30 days of use at the Texas average rate. Adjust the calculator for your equipment and schedule.
Example costs using the Texas state-average rate
These are generated examples for a consistent location. Enter your own ZIP and usage below for a more relevant state-average estimate.
| Scenario | Assumption | kWh/month | Cost/day of use | Monthly range | Cost at 365 days/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin-and-light ultrabook | 8 hours of office work a day 30 W × 8 h/day × 0.6 duty × 30 days × 1 unit(s) | 4.32 | $0.02 | $0.46–$1.03 | $8.44 |
| Mainstream 15-inch | 8 hours of mixed work and streaming 60 W × 8 h/day × 0.6 duty × 30 days × 1 unit(s) | 8.64 | $0.05 | $0.92–$2.05 | $16.88 |
| Gaming laptop | 6 hours daily including demanding games 160 W × 6 h/day × 0.7 duty × 30 days × 1 unit(s) | 20.16 | $0.11 | $2.14–$4.79 | $39.39 |
Wattage, runtime and duty cycle below are illustrative assumptions, not measurements of a particular model. Annual figures assume use on all 365 days; monthly figures use each scenario's stated number of days.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-07-ytd. State-average pricing is not your exact utility tariff.
What does one use cost?
Charging examples assume an empty battery, 85% charging efficiency and no simultaneous computer use. Input energy = battery Wh / 0.85 / 1,000. The one-hour equivalent load is a calculation device, not a claimed charger rating.
| Task | Assumptions | kWh/use | Estimated cost/use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Wh battery | 40 Wh / 85% efficiency = 47.06 Wh from the wall | 0.0471 | $0.01 Range $0.01–$0.01 |
| 60 Wh battery | 60 Wh / 85% efficiency = 70.59 Wh from the wall | 0.0706 | $0.01 Range $0.01–$0.02 |
| 80 Wh battery | 80 Wh / 85% efficiency = 94.12 Wh from the wall | 0.0941 | $0.02 Range $0.01–$0.02 |
Illustrative usage, priced at the same Texas state average as the calculator. Costs are rounded to cents; actual consumption and your utility price can differ.
Calculate your own usage
Your inputs
Charging a battery is different from running a laptop
Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours, while a charger label gives watts of maximum output. To price a full charge, divide battery watt-hours by an assumed charging efficiency and then by 1,000. Multiply those kilowatt-hours by your electricity price. The 85% efficiency used here is an illustrative assumption, not a measurement of your charger.
A worked charging example
At an assumed electricity price of $0.18/kWh, filling an 80 Wh battery at 85% efficiency uses 0.0941 kWh and costs about $0.0169, or 1.69 cents. Thirty such charges cost about $0.51. Partial charges use less; running applications while charging adds energy beyond the battery itself.
Measure the whole workstation
The monthly examples model the laptop alone with an assumed fraction of rated power. A dock and external monitors add separate loads. For a fair laptop-versus-desktop comparison, use the same working hours and include equivalent displays and peripherals on both sides. A wall meter can replace the assumed average draw with a measured one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does one laptop charge cost?
Does a 65 W charger always use 65 watts?
Should I add battery charging to a wall-meter reading?
Compare options and check your assumptions
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