How to Use the Meter Reading Cost Calculator
Want a rough idea of what you owe before the bill arrives? Enter your previous and current meter readings, and this calculator finds the difference in kWh, then applies an electricity rate to estimate your cost.
U.S. electricity rates vary enormously by state and utility — from under 10 cents per kWh in parts of the Pacific Northwest and South to over 30 cents in Hawaii and California. The default rate reflects roughly the national average, but entering your own rate from a recent bill gives a far more accurate estimate.
Keep in mind that most utility bills also include a fixed customer charge and delivery fees on top of the per-kWh energy charge, and some utilities use tiered or time-of-use pricing instead of a flat rate. This calculator gives a simplified usage-based estimate rather than an exact bill match.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This calculator uses a flat national-average rate as a placeholder, but real utility bills add fixed customer charges, delivery fees, and sometimes tiered or time-of-use pricing that this simple estimate doesn't capture.
Check the digital or dial display on the meter itself, usually mounted outside your home or in a utility closet. Your most recent bill also lists the previous reading, which you can enter directly.