How many watts does a ceiling fan use?

Most ceiling fans use 15–100 watts while running (typically about 50 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $0.65 a month ($7.79 a year, if used about 180 days a year).

Running-watt figures cross-checked across 3 published sources and 1,455 ENERGY STAR models · rates: EIA, August 2026 · reviewed 2026-11-04

Cost to run a ceiling fan: calculator

Pre-filled with typical figures. Use the wattage on your appliance's label for a closer estimate.

Real data from 1,455 ENERGY STAR models

Median measured on-mode power: 29.8 W (most models 18.8–44.7 W). Older or non-certified models usually use more. Costs assume 8 h/day, 180 days/yr.

Source: ENERGY STAR certified products data, U.S. EPA. ENERGY STAR is a registered mark of the U.S. EPA; this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the EPA.

1,455 certified models. Search by brand or model number (from the label inside the door or on the back).

Running vs starting watts

Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. It has no significant start-up surge, so size a generator or power station on running watts alone.

SourceRunningStarting
Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart15–75 W—
EcoFlow appliance wattage chart50–100 W—
U.S. DOE Energy Saver, typical appliance wattages (archived)65–175 W—
ENERGY STAR certified models (10th–90th percentile, 1455 models)18.8–44.7 W—

Will a power station run it?

A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical ceiling fan for about 17.0 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 100 W continuous output. Check your power station or generator →

Cost by state

Based on the median ENERGY STAR model (29.8 W) for 8 hours a day, 180 days a year (43 kWh/yr).

Cost to run a ceiling fan in every state
StateRatePer monthPer year
Alabama16.33¢$0.58$7.01
Alaska29.41¢$1.05$12.62
Arizona15.05¢$0.54$6.46
Arkansas14.37¢$0.51$6.17
California29.75¢$1.06$12.77
Colorado17.17¢$0.61$7.37
Connecticut24.51¢$0.88$10.52
Delaware18.70¢$0.67$8.02
District of Columbia25.98¢$0.93$11.15
Florida14.99¢$0.54$6.43
Georgia15.90¢$0.57$6.82
Hawaii47.18¢$1.69$20.25
Idaho13.37¢$0.48$5.74
Illinois19.32¢$0.69$8.29
Indiana17.02¢$0.61$7.30
Iowa17.06¢$0.61$7.32
Kansas15.47¢$0.55$6.64
Kentucky13.80¢$0.49$5.92
Louisiana12.87¢$0.46$5.52
Maine32.11¢$1.15$13.78
Maryland21.40¢$0.77$9.18
Massachusetts30.48¢$1.09$13.08
Michigan22.99¢$0.82$9.87
Minnesota17.20¢$0.62$7.38
Mississippi14.43¢$0.52$6.19
Missouri16.02¢$0.57$6.87
Montana15.57¢$0.56$6.68
Nebraska13.54¢$0.48$5.81
Nevada12.72¢$0.45$5.46
New Hampshire27.64¢$0.99$11.86
New Jersey24.61¢$0.88$10.56
New Mexico16.51¢$0.59$7.08
New York28.65¢$1.02$12.29
North Carolina14.95¢$0.53$6.42
North Dakota13.31¢$0.48$5.71
Ohio19.38¢$0.69$8.32
Oklahoma14.82¢$0.53$6.36
Oregon15.92¢$0.57$6.83
Pennsylvania21.77¢$0.78$9.34
Rhode Island28.18¢$1.01$12.09
South Carolina15.76¢$0.56$6.76
South Dakota15.15¢$0.54$6.50
Tennessee13.42¢$0.48$5.76
Texas15.91¢$0.57$6.83
Utah13.31¢$0.48$5.71
Vermont23.84¢$0.85$10.23
Virginia17.64¢$0.63$7.57
Washington14.63¢$0.52$6.28
West Virginia16.31¢$0.58$7.00
Wisconsin19.41¢$0.69$8.33
Wyoming14.43¢$0.52$6.19

FAQ

How many watts does a ceiling fan use?

Most ceiling fans use 15–100 watts while running (typically about 50 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $0.65 a month ($7.79 a year, if used about 180 days a year).

How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan?

About $0.65 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (29.8 W) for 8 hours a day, 180 days a year (43 kWh/yr). In the cheapest state it's about $0.45 a month; in the most expensive, $1.69.

How many kWh does a ceiling fan use?

About 43 kWh a year (4 kWh a month), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (29.8 W) for 8 hours a day, 180 days a year (43 kWh/yr).

Can a power station or generator run a ceiling fan?

A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical ceiling fan for about 17.0 hours. Look for at least 100 W continuous output.

Related

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Note: These are estimates. Real consumption depends on the exact model, its age, settings, room temperature and how you use it. For your exact number, check the appliance's label or measure it with a plug-in energy meter. Rates are August 2026 state averages from the EIA; check your bill for your actual rate. When powering appliances from a generator or power station, never exceed its rated output and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.