How many watts does a washing machine use?
Most washing machines use 350–1,000 watts while running (typically about 500 W) and 1,000–2,300 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $1.66 a month ($19.98 a year).
Cost to run a washing machine: calculator
Real data from 421 ENERGY STAR models
Median rated annual energy use under the DOE test procedure: 110 kWh/yr (most models 75–189 kWh/yr). Older or non-certified models usually use more.
| Median | Cost at 18.16¢ | |
|---|---|---|
| Front Load | 103 kWh/yr | $18.70/yr |
| Top Load | 150 kWh/yr | $27.24/yr |
Running vs starting watts
Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. Starting watts are a short surge when a motor or compressor kicks on; they matter for sizing a generator or power station.
| Source | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart | 500–1,000 W | 1,000–2,300 W |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 1,150 W | 2,300 W |
| EcoFlow appliance wattage chart | 300–500 W | 600–1,000 W |
| U.S. DOE Energy Saver, typical appliance wattages (archived) | 350–500 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical washing machine for about 1.7 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 1,000 W continuous output and 3,300 W surge (peak). Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on the median ENERGY STAR model (110 kWh/yr rated).
Cost to run a washing machine in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $1.50 | $17.96 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $2.70 | $32.35 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $1.38 | $16.55 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $1.32 | $15.81 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $2.73 | $32.73 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $1.57 | $18.89 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $2.25 | $26.96 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $1.71 | $20.57 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $2.38 | $28.58 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $1.37 | $16.49 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $1.46 | $17.49 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $4.32 | $51.90 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $1.23 | $14.71 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $1.77 | $21.25 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $1.56 | $18.72 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $1.56 | $18.77 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $1.42 | $17.02 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $1.27 | $15.18 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $1.18 | $14.16 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $2.94 | $35.32 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $1.96 | $23.54 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $2.79 | $33.53 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $2.11 | $25.29 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $1.58 | $18.92 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $1.32 | $15.87 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $1.47 | $17.62 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $1.43 | $17.13 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $1.24 | $14.89 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $1.17 | $13.99 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $2.53 | $30.40 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $2.26 | $27.07 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $1.51 | $18.16 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $2.63 | $31.51 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $1.37 | $16.45 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $1.22 | $14.64 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $1.78 | $21.32 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $1.36 | $16.30 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $1.46 | $17.51 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $2.00 | $23.95 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $2.58 | $31.00 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $1.44 | $17.34 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $1.39 | $16.66 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $1.23 | $14.76 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $1.46 | $17.50 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $1.22 | $14.64 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $2.19 | $26.22 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $1.62 | $19.40 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $1.34 | $16.09 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $1.50 | $17.94 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $1.78 | $21.35 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $1.32 | $15.87 |
FAQ
How many watts does a washing machine use?
Most washing machines use 350–1,000 watts while running (typically about 500 W) and 1,000–2,300 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $1.66 a month ($19.98 a year).
What are the starting watts of a washing machine?
About 1,000–2,300 W for a second or two at start-up. This matters when sizing a generator or power station, not for your electricity bill.
How much does it cost to run a washing machine?
About $1.66 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (110 kWh/yr rated). In the cheapest state it's about $1.17 a month; in the most expensive, $4.32.
How many kWh does a washing machine use?
About 110 kWh a year (9 kWh a month), based on the median ENERGY STAR model (110 kWh/yr rated).
Can a power station or generator run a washing machine?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical washing machine for about 1.7 hours. Look for at least 1,000 W continuous output and 3,300 W surge (peak).