Wattage input
Use the electrical draw, not a look-alike rating
Check whether the label rating applies to one controller, one side, or the entire blanket. If two zones are used, include both unless the listed wattage already covers them together.
Heating & Cooling
A 100 watt electric blanket costs about $0.14 to run for 8 hours at $0.18 per kWh.
Quick estimate
This uses 100 watts, 8 hours per day, and an electricity rate of $0.18 per kWh.
Electric blankets use low wattage compared with room heaters because they warm a small area directly.
Many electric blanket units fall around 100 watts, with a rough range of 60 to 200 watts. Check the product label, user manual, or manufacturer specifications for the most accurate number.
| Estimate | Watts | Hours per day | Daily cost | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low estimate | 60W | 4 | $0.04 | $1.30 |
| Typical use | 100W | 8 | $0.14 | $4.32 |
| High estimate | 200W | 12 | $0.43 | $12.96 |
An electric blanket uses low-power resistance heating spread across the fabric. Its controller cycles the heat after warm-up, and dual-zone models can energize one or both sides.
Wattage input
Check whether the label rating applies to one controller, one side, or the entire blanket. If two zones are used, include both unless the listed wattage already covers them together.
Runtime input
Count the timer or sleep period, but remember that thermostat cycling reduces average draw after warm-up. A meter can capture the effect of heat level and automatic shutoff over a full night.
Convert watts to kilowatts, multiply by the number of hours used, then multiply by your electricity rate.
Cost = Watts / 1000 x Hours Used x Electricity Rate For this electric blanket example: 100 / 1000 x 8 x 0.18 = $0.14 per day.
These details make this estimate more useful for real-world use.
An electric blanket warms a person or bed directly instead of heating an entire room. That is why its wattage is usually much lower than a space heater.
Higher heat settings use more power, and overnight use adds hours. Preheating the bed and lowering the setting after you are comfortable can keep the total cost small.
Preheat the bed, then lower the setting for overnight comfort.
The easiest way to improve the estimate is to replace the default values with your actual wattage, average runtime, and local electricity rate.
Wattage ranges are practical planning estimates for common household appliances. Actual use can differ by model, age, settings, room conditions, and maintenance.
These authoritative sources support the calculation method, default electricity-rate benchmark, and appliance-specific operating context. The wattage range remains a planning estimate; use the nameplate on your own appliance for the most accurate input.
Used to benchmark the rounded default residential electricity rate. Your utility bill remains the best source for your own rate.
Supports the watts-to-kWh calculation method and the recommendation to check the appliance nameplate or use a power meter.
Often not. Many controllers cycle power to maintain the selected warmth and may shut off on a timer. Rated watts across the whole night is therefore usually a conservative estimate.
A 100 watt electric blanket costs about $0.14 to run for 8 hours at $0.18 per kWh.
Use the wattage printed on the appliance label when possible. As a starting estimate, this page uses 100 watts and shows a common range of 60 to 200 watts.
Electricity bills include many appliances, fees, taxes, seasonal changes, and utility rate structures. This calculator estimates appliance energy cost only.
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