Updated June 29, 2026
Router Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate how much a Wi-Fi router costs to run per day, month, and year when it is switched on all the time.
Live calculator
Calculate your actual running cost
Running this wi-fi router for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week uses about 8.7 kWh each month.
Quick answer
How much does a wi-fi router cost to run?
A 12 W wi-fi router used for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, consumes about 8.7 kWh per month. At $0.30 per kWh, that is approximately $2.62 per month. Replace these example figures with the wattage and electricity rate from your appliance and bill.
What changes the real running cost?
Routers use low wattage but often run 24 hours a day. The real load depends on the router model, modem, mesh nodes, Wi-Fi radios, and any connected network equipment.
Include the modem or mesh satellites if you want the cost of the whole home network, not just the main router.
Assumptions used in this example
This page starts with 12 watts, 24 hours of use per day, and 7 days per week. Those defaults are only a practical starting point. Replace them with the number on your product label, energy label, smart plug, or electricity bill.
Example wi-fi router costs
These examples use 12 W for 24 hours a day and 7 days per week.
| Electricity rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.15 / kWh | $0.00 | $1.31 | $15.72 |
| $0.25 / kWh | $0.00 | $2.18 | $26.21 |
| $0.35 / kWh | $0.00 | $3.06 | $36.69 |
Ways to reduce the cost
Start with changes that reduce active runtime without compromising safety or the job the appliance needs to do.
- Remove unused mesh nodes if coverage is still reliable.
- Use scheduled Wi-Fi features only if they do not disrupt essential devices.
- Replace failing power adapters with the correct rated adapter.
Estimate only. Actual consumption varies by model, setting, condition, temperature, duty cycle, and tariff. Use a plug-in meter or energy-label figure when accuracy matters.
FAQ
Wi-Fi router running cost questions
How do I calculate wi-fi router running cost?
Divide the watts by 1,000 to get kilowatts, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your electricity price per kWh. This page pre-fills 12 W, 24 hours per day, and 7 days per week as a starting example.
How much does a wi-fi router cost per hour?
At 12 W and $0.30 per kWh, the example cost is about $0.00 per hour while it is actively using that power. Change the rate field to match your own bill.
Why might my real wi-fi router cost be different?
Include the modem or mesh satellites if you want the cost of the whole home network, not just the main router.
Should I use rated watts or measured watts?
Rated watts are useful for a quick estimate, but measured wall power or an energy-label kWh figure is usually more accurate because many appliances cycle on and off or change power during use.
Does the calculator include standing charges, taxes, or demand charges?
No. The calculator estimates usage cost from kWh only. If your bill includes standing charges, taxes, delivery fees, or demand charges, add those separately.
Can I share my result?
Yes. Use the share or copy button after entering your wattage, hours, days, rate, and currency. The page stores those inputs in the URL so you can revisit the same estimate.