Watts to kWh Calculator
Electricity usage is a fundamental part of our daily lives, and understanding how energy is measured can help manage costs. Two key energy measurement units are watts (W) and kilowatt-hours (kWh). This guide explains what these units mean and how to convert watts to kWh effectively.
What Are Watts and Kilowatt-Hours?
- Watts (W): A watt measures power. It tells you how much energy an electrical device uses per second.
- Kilowatt-Hours (kWh): A kilowatt-hour measures energy consumption. It represents the amount of power (in kilowatts) used over time (in hours).
The Conversion Formula
To calculate energy in kWh, use this formula:
\[
\text{kWh} = \frac{\text{Watts} \times \text{Hours}}{1000}
\]
Example Calculation
A 100-watt bulb operates for 5 hours.
- Multiply:
\[
100 \, \text{W} \times 5 \, \text{hours} = 500 \, \text{Wh}
\] - Convert to kWh:
\[
\frac{500}{1000} = 0.5 \, \text{kWh}
\]
The bulb uses 0.5 kWh of energy.
- Multiply:
A 2000-watt heater runs for 3 hours.
- Multiply:
\[
2000 \, \text{W} \times 3 \, \text{hours} = 6000 \, \text{Wh}
\] - Convert to kWh:
\[
\frac{6000}{1000} = 6 \, \text{kWh}
\]
The heater uses 6 kWh of energy.
- Multiply: