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Energy in Kilowatt-hours
100
kWh (1 unit = 1 kWh)
Estimated Cost 15

What is a Unit of Electricity?

On your electricity bill, a "unit" is simply one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy. This is a universal convention used by utility providers worldwide: 1 unit = 1 kWh. One kWh is the energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. This calculator turns the units shown on your meter into kWh and estimates the cost based on the tariff your supplier charges per unit.

Diagram showing 1 unit equals 1 kilowatt-hour, with a 1000-watt appliance running for 1 hour
One unit of electricity equals 1 kWh — a 1000 W appliance running for one hour.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the number of electricity units consumed (read this from your meter or bill) and the cost charged per unit. The calculator returns the energy in kWh — which equals the units — and multiplies the units by your rate to estimate the total cost. Because the conversion is one-to-one, the main use of this tool is quickly pricing your consumption.

The Formula Explained

The conversion is direct: \(\text{kWh} = \text{Units}\). To find the bill amount, use \(\text{Cost} = \text{Units} \times \text{Rate}\), where rate is the price per unit (per kWh) in your local currency.

$$\text{kWh} = \text{Units}$$$$\text{Cost} = \text{Units} \times \text{Rate per Unit}$$
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Flowchart of units multiplied by rate equals cost, and units equal kWh
The formula: units equal kWh, and units times the per-unit rate gives the cost.

Worked Example

Suppose you used 250 units last month and your supplier charges 0.20 per unit. The energy is 250 kWh, and the cost is $$250 \times 0.20 = 50.00.$$ So your estimated bill for energy consumed is 50.00.

FAQ

Is 1 unit always 1 kWh? Yes. The billing "unit" is defined as one kilowatt-hour, regardless of country.

Does this include fixed charges or taxes? No. This estimates only the energy cost (units × rate). Standing charges, taxes, and levies are added separately by your supplier.

What rate should I enter? Use the per-unit (per-kWh) price from your latest bill or tariff sheet for the most accurate estimate.

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