Electric Bill Calculator: Estimate Your Monthly Bill

Your electric bill is built from a few simple pieces: the kWh you used, the price of each kWh, a fixed monthly charge, and taxes and fees. This electric bill calculator puts them together so you can check a bill, plan for a high-use month, or see what a change in usage is worth.

How the calculation works

The calculator first prices your energy use, then adds the fixed charge, then applies taxes and fees to the subtotal.

Flat rate:    energy charges = kWh × rate
Tiered rate:  energy charges = tier limit × rate 1 + (kWh − tier limit) × rate 2
Subtotal      = energy charges + fixed monthly charge
Taxes & fees  = subtotal × tax %
Bill          = subtotal + taxes & fees
All-in ¢/kWh  = bill ÷ kWh

The tier is only used when you enter both a tier limit above zero and a second rate, and your usage goes over the limit. Otherwise the whole month is billed at rate 1.

The default 900 kWh is close to the 899 kWh a month the average US residential customer bought in 2022 (EIA). The default rate of $0.18 per kWh comes from the July 2026 US average residential price of 18.31 cents (EIA, Table 5.6.A). The $12 fixed charge and 5 percent taxes are placeholders. Your utility’s numbers will differ.

Worked example

The default inputs: 900 kWh, a flat rate of $0.18 per kWh, a $12 fixed charge and 5 percent taxes and fees.

1. Energy charges: 900 × $0.18 = $162.00.
2. Subtotal: $162.00 + $12.00 = $174.00.
3. Taxes and fees: $174.00 × 5% = $8.70.
4. Estimated bill: $182.70.
5. All-in cost: $182.70 ÷ 900 kWh = 20.3 cents per kWh.

A second example

Say your utility uses a two-tier rate: the first 500 kWh at $0.15 and anything above at $0.20, with a $10 fixed charge and 8 percent taxes. In a summer month you use 1,200 kWh. The calculator shows energy charges of $215.00 (500 kWh at $0.15 plus 700 kWh at $0.20), $18.00 in taxes and fees, and a bill of $243.00, or 20.3 cents per kWh all-in.

Small months work differently. At the default rate, fixed charge and tax, 300 kWh costs $69.30, which is 23.1 cents per kWh all-in, because the fixed charge is spread over fewer kWh.

What your result means

The estimated bill should land close to your real bill if you used the rates on your bill. If it is far off, look for lines the calculator does not model, such as fuel cost adjustments, delivery charges billed per kWh, or credits.

The all-in cost per kWh is the number to use for decisions. When you work out what a space heater costs to run, or what a more efficient appliance saves, use this figure in the appliance energy cost calculator or the LED savings calculator.

The energy charges are the part you can change by using less. The fixed charge stays the same unless you change plans or providers.

How location changes the same 900 kWh

Electricity prices vary a lot by state. This table runs 900 kWh through the calculator at July 2026 EIA state averages, with the fixed charge and taxes set to zero because those averages already include them.

State averages hide big differences between utilities and plans inside each state. Your own bill is the better source.

Rate types and local rules that change your bill

Seasonal rates. EIA notes that prices are usually highest in summer, when demand peaks and more expensive power plants run (EIA). Many utilities charge different rates in summer and winter.

Time-of-use rates. Some utilities charge more during afternoon and evening peak hours and less overnight. This calculator uses one price for every kWh. To approximate a time-of-use plan, use the average price per kWh from a recent bill. A smart thermostat can shift heating and cooling away from peak hours; see our smart thermostat savings guide.

Fixed charges and riders. Utility commissions in each state approve the fixed customer charge, per-kWh delivery charges and riders such as fuel adjustments. These change after rate cases, so check each new bill.

Help with bills. If a bill is hard to pay, USA.gov lists LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program, and our guide to help paying energy bills explains payment plans and shutoff protections. You can also check whether your bills are a high share of income with the energy burden calculator.

Common mistakes

• Double-counting fees. Adding a fixed charge and taxes on top of an all-in average price overstates the bill.
• Using the wrong kWh. Use the kWh for the billing period, not a meter reading. Billing periods are not always exactly one calendar month.
• Leaving the tier limit set with no second rate. The calculator then bills everything at rate 1. Enter both or neither.
• Comparing months without weather. A cold or hot month can raise usage a lot. Compare the same month across years.
• Ignoring delivery charges. In some states delivery is billed separately per kWh. Add the supply and delivery rates together as your energy rate.

Limits of this calculator

The calculator handles one flat rate or two tiers, one fixed charge and one tax percentage. It does not model time-of-use pricing, demand charges, minimum bills, solar net metering credits, budget billing or fuel cost adjustments. Real bills can include several per-kWh lines.

It gives an educational estimate, not your utility’s bill or advice. For ways to bring the total down, see our guide on how to lower your energy bill.