Cost to Run a Router Calculator

Estimate how much it costs to run a router based on wattage, daily usage, and your electricity rate. Start from always-on runtime and an active-duty setting of 80% to mirror real-world cycling behavior.

Fast estimate No signup Updated for 2026 rates

Typical electricity cost

How much does a Router cost to run?

Based on typical usage

A Router typically draws about 12 watts when active, averaging around $0.00 per hour at $0.15 per kWh.

At typical use (80% active runtime over 24 hours), that's about $1.04 per month and $12.61 per year.

Hourly average $0.00
Daily $0.03
Monthly $1.04
Yearly $12.61

Based on

  • 12 watts
  • 80% active runtime over 24 hours
  • $0.15 per kWh

What affects cost most

  • Average active runtime over a full 24-hour day
  • Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
  • Standby behavior, connected peripherals, and firmware settings

How it works: Daily cost uses wattage, average active runtime over 24 hours, and electricity rate. Monthly uses daily × 30; yearly uses daily × 365.

Use the calculator below to estimate cost based on your own wattage, usage time, and electricity rate.

Calculator

1. Device

2. Usage

Results are estimates. Actual runtime can vary with workload, network traffic, and hardware efficiency.

Quick presets

3. Rate

Enter your values and click Calculate Cost.

How Much Electricity Does a Router Use?

These example monthly costs show how duty cycle and settings change the recurring background cost.

Example monthly costs

  • Light Use 60% active runtime over 24 hours
    $0.78/month
  • Typical Use 80% active runtime over 24 hours
    $1.04/month
  • Heavy Use 100% active runtime over 24 hours
    $1.30/month

Get a better estimate and keep costs down

Defaults give you a starting point, but always-on equipment can look very different once you adjust active runtime and the real power draw in your setup.

What changes cost most

  • Average active runtime over a full 24-hour day
  • Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
  • Standby behavior, connected peripherals, and firmware settings

How to get a better estimate and lower cost

  • Replace the default electricity rate with the actual rate from your latest power bill.
  • Adjust the active runtime percentage to match how often the device is actually heating, cooling, or cycling.
  • Use power-saving settings when available.
  • Disable unused radios or guest networks.
  • Consolidate networking devices where practical.
  • Use efficient hardware for always-on setups.

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