How many watts does a microwave use?
Most microwaves use 600–1,500 watts while running (typically about 1,000 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $1.38 a month ($16.57 a year).
Cost to run a microwave: 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart | 600–1,200 W | — |
| Generac generator wattage worksheet (PDF) | 1,500 W | — |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 625 W | — |
| EcoFlow appliance wattage chart | 600–1,200 W | — |
| U.S. DOE Energy Saver, typical appliance wattages (archived) | 750–1,100 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical microwave for about 0.8 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 1,500 W continuous output. Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on 1,000 W for 15 minutes a day, 365 days a year (91 kWh/yr).
Cost to run a microwave in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $1.24 | $14.90 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $2.24 | $26.84 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $1.14 | $13.73 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $1.09 | $13.11 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $2.26 | $27.15 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $1.31 | $15.67 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $1.86 | $22.37 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $1.42 | $17.06 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $1.98 | $23.71 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $1.14 | $13.68 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $1.21 | $14.51 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $3.59 | $43.05 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $1.02 | $12.20 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $1.47 | $17.63 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $1.29 | $15.53 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $1.30 | $15.57 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $1.18 | $14.12 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $1.05 | $12.59 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $0.98 | $11.74 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $2.44 | $29.30 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $1.63 | $19.53 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $2.32 | $27.81 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $1.75 | $20.98 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $1.31 | $15.69 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $1.10 | $13.17 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $1.22 | $14.62 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $1.18 | $14.21 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $1.03 | $12.36 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $0.97 | $11.61 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $2.10 | $25.22 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $1.87 | $22.46 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $1.26 | $15.07 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $2.18 | $26.14 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $1.14 | $13.64 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $1.01 | $12.15 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $1.47 | $17.68 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $1.13 | $13.52 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $1.21 | $14.53 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $1.66 | $19.87 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $2.14 | $25.71 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $1.20 | $14.38 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $1.15 | $13.82 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $1.02 | $12.25 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $1.21 | $14.52 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $1.01 | $12.15 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $1.81 | $21.75 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $1.34 | $16.10 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $1.11 | $13.35 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $1.24 | $14.88 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $1.48 | $17.71 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $1.10 | $13.17 |
FAQ
How many watts does a microwave use?
Most microwaves use 600–1,500 watts while running (typically about 1,000 W). At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $1.38 a month ($16.57 a year).
How much does it cost to run a microwave?
About $1.38 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on 1,000 W for 15 minutes a day, 365 days a year (91 kWh/yr). In the cheapest state it's about $0.97 a month; in the most expensive, $3.59.
How many kWh does a microwave use?
About 91 kWh a year (8 kWh a month), based on 1,000 W for 15 minutes a day, 365 days a year (91 kWh/yr).
Can a power station or generator run a microwave?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical microwave for about 0.8 hours. Look for at least 1,500 W continuous output.