Watts to Kilowatt-Hours (kWh) Calculator

How to Convert Watts to Kilowatt-Hours (kWh)

Converting watts to kilowatt-hours (kWh) is a fundamental calculation in understanding energy consumption. This conversion helps us quantify the amount of electrical energy used over time, which is crucial for managing power usage, estimating electricity costs, and designing efficient energy systems.

Conversion Formula

The formula to convert watts to kilowatt-hours is:

\[E = \frac{P \times t}{1000}\]

Where:

• E is the energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh)
• P is the power in watts (W)
• t is the time in hours (h)
• 1000 is the conversion factor from watts to kilowatts

Calculation Steps

1. Identify the power consumption in watts (W)
2. Determine the time period in hours (h)
3. Multiply the power by the time
4. Divide the result by 1000 to convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours

Example Calculation

Let's calculate the energy consumption of a 100-watt light bulb that operates for 5 hours:

1. Identify the given values: \[P = 100 \text{ watts}\] \[t = 5 \text{ hours}\]
2. Apply the formula: \[E = \frac{100 \text{ W} \times 5 \text{ h}}{1000} = 0.5 \text{ kWh}\]

Therefore, a 100-watt light bulb operating for 5 hours consumes 0.5 kilowatt-hours of energy.

Energy Consumption Visualization

This bar chart visually compares the input power in watts (100 W) and the resulting energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (0.5 kWh) from our example calculation. The height of each bar is proportional to its value, illustrating how power over time translates into energy consumption.