Electricity Bill Estimate Calculator
An electricity bill is more predictable than it looks once you break it into its parts. Almost every utility bill is built from two pieces: a usage charge based on the energy you actually consumed, and a fixed charge for being connected to the grid. This calculator estimates your monthly bill from those two pieces. Enter the kilowatt-hours you used in the month, the price your utility charges per kilowatt-hour, and any fixed or basic service charge, and the tool multiplies your usage by the rate, adds the fixed charge, and shows the total. The kilowatt-hour is the standard unit utilities use to bill energy, recognized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and it is the figure printed on your statement. Because rates differ widely between utilities, states and rate plans, every input is editable so you can match your own bill or model a change, like adding an electric vehicle or cutting usage with efficient appliances. The estimate covers the energy and fixed charges; real statements may add taxes and local surcharges on top. Every figure is computed deterministically from the formula shown below, with a worked example that reconciles exactly to the calculator.
An estimated electricity bill is your energy use times the rate, plus the fixed charge: kWh x rate + fixed charge. Using 900 kWh at $0.17 per kWh with a $12.00 fixed charge gives an estimated bill of $165.00.
Electricity bill formula
Estimated bill = ( kWh used x rate per kWh ) + fixed charge
kWh used = monthly kilowatt-hours consumed
rate per kWh = price charged for each kilowatt-hour
fixed charge = flat monthly service or connection fee
Multiply your monthly usage by the per-kWh rate to get the energy portion of the bill, then add the fixed charge. The total is your estimated bill before taxes and surcharges.
Worked example
Suppose you used 900 kWh in a month, your rate is 0.17 dollars per kWh, and your fixed charge is 12 dollars.
- Usage charge = 900 x 0.17 = $153.00
- Fixed charge = $12.00
- Estimated bill = 153.00 + 12.00 = $165.00
The estimated bill is $165.00. These are the calculator's default inputs, so the result above matches the widget exactly.
Bill at common usage levels
Estimated bills at 0.17 dollars per kWh with a 12 dollar fixed charge.
| Monthly usage | Estimated bill |
|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $97.00 |
| 900 kWh | $165.00 |
| 1,200 kWh | $216.00 |
| 1,500 kWh | $267.00 |
The kilowatt-hour is a standard energy unit per the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Electricity bill estimate calculator: frequently asked questions
How is an electricity bill estimated?
An electricity bill has two main parts: a usage charge and a fixed charge. The usage charge is the kilowatt-hours (kWh) you consumed multiplied by the per-kWh rate your utility charges. The fixed charge is a flat monthly service or connection fee that applies regardless of usage. Adding the two together gives your estimated bill before taxes and any local riders.
Where do I find my kWh usage and rate?
Both appear on your monthly utility statement. Usage is shown in kilowatt-hours, typically as the difference between two meter readings. The rate is shown as a price per kWh, often in cents. A fixed or basic service charge is usually listed separately. Enter your own figures here because rates vary widely by utility, state and rate plan.
What is a kilowatt-hour?
A kilowatt-hour is the amount of energy used by a one-kilowatt appliance running for one hour. A 100-watt bulb left on for ten hours uses one kWh. Utilities bill electricity by the kilowatt-hour, so multiplying your monthly kWh by the rate gives the energy portion of your bill. The kilowatt-hour is a standard unit recognized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Why is my actual bill different from this estimate?
This tool estimates the energy charge plus a fixed charge. Real bills can also include sales and utility taxes, tiered or time-of-use rates that change the price per kWh, fuel cost adjustments, and local surcharges. If your utility uses tiered pricing, enter a blended average rate. For an exact figure, compare against the line items on your statement.
How can I lower my electricity bill?
Reducing kWh usage lowers the usage charge directly: efficient appliances, LED lighting, sealing drafts and adjusting your thermostat all help. The fixed charge stays the same regardless. Some utilities offer time-of-use plans where shifting usage to off-peak hours lowers the effective rate. Check your provider for available plans and energy efficiency programs.
Official sources
- Kilowatt-hour and energy measurement units reference: US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). As at 25 June 2026.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 25 June 2026. See our methodology. This is general information, not financial, tax, legal or investment advice.