How many watts does a desktop computer use?
Most desktop computers use 100–400 watts while running (typically about 200 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $8.84 a month ($106 a year).
Cost to run a desktop computer: calculator
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.
| Source | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Generac generator wattage worksheet (PDF) | 400 W | — |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 150 W | — |
| EcoFlow appliance wattage chart | 100–400 W | — |
| U.S. DOE Energy Saver, typical appliance wattages (archived) | 120 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical desktop computer for about 4.2 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 400 W continuous output. Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on 200 W for 8 hours a day, 365 days a year (584 kWh/yr).
Cost to run a desktop computer in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $7.95 | $95.37 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $14.31 | $172 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $7.32 | $87.89 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $6.99 | $83.92 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $14.48 | $174 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $8.36 | $100 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $11.93 | $143 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $9.10 | $109 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $12.64 | $152 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $7.30 | $87.54 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $7.74 | $92.86 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $22.96 | $276 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $6.51 | $78.08 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $9.40 | $113 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $8.28 | $99.40 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $8.30 | $99.63 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $7.53 | $90.34 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $6.72 | $80.59 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $6.26 | $75.16 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $15.63 | $188 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $10.41 | $125 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $14.83 | $178 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $11.19 | $134 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $8.37 | $100 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $7.02 | $84.27 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $7.80 | $93.56 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $7.58 | $90.93 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $6.59 | $79.07 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $6.19 | $74.28 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $13.45 | $161 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $11.98 | $144 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $8.03 | $96.42 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $13.94 | $167 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $7.28 | $87.31 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $6.48 | $77.73 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $9.43 | $113 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $7.21 | $86.55 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $7.75 | $92.97 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $10.59 | $127 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $13.71 | $165 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $7.67 | $92.04 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $7.37 | $88.48 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $6.53 | $78.37 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $7.74 | $92.91 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $6.48 | $77.73 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $11.60 | $139 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $8.58 | $103 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $7.12 | $85.44 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $7.94 | $95.25 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $9.45 | $113 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $7.02 | $84.27 |
FAQ
How many watts does a desktop computer use?
Most desktop computers use 100–400 watts while running (typically about 200 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $8.84 a month ($106 a year).
How much does it cost to run a desktop computer?
About $8.84 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on 200 W for 8 hours a day, 365 days a year (584 kWh/yr). In the cheapest state it's about $6.19 a month; in the most expensive, $22.96.
How many kWh does a desktop computer use?
About 584 kWh a year (49 kWh a month), based on 200 W for 8 hours a day, 365 days a year (584 kWh/yr).
Can a power station or generator run a desktop computer?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical desktop computer for about 4.2 hours. Look for at least 400 W continuous output.