What is Kilowatt Hour?
Quick Summary
The kilowatt hour (kWh) is the unit of measurement for energy consumption and the basis for your electricity bill. One kWh corresponds to the energy that a 1,000-watt device consumes in one hour. In Germany, it costs about 30-35 cents in 2026.
Definition in Detail
The kilowatt hour (kWh) is the standard unit of measurement for electrical energy:
- 1 kWh = 1,000 Watts x 1 Hour
- Basis for billing electricity consumption
- Shown on the electricity meter and annual statement
- Multiplied by the unit price (cents/kWh)
Calculation Formula
kWh = Power (Watts) × Time (Hours) ÷ 1,000
What Can You Do With 1 kWh?
10 Hours
Watching TV (100W LED TV)
100 Hours
LED Bulb (10W)
1 Wash Cycle
Washing Machine 60°C
20 Hours
Laptop Use (50W)
30 Minutes
Electric Stove (2,000W)
5-7 km
Driving an EV
Typical Power Consumption of Devices
| Device | Power | Use/Day | kWh/Year | Cost/Year* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 100-150W | 24h (continuous) | 150-250 kWh | EUR 45-75 |
| Washing Machine | 2,000W | 3x/week | 150-200 kWh | EUR 45-60 |
| TV (LED) | 80-150W | 4h | 120-220 kWh | EUR 36-66 |
| Desktop PC | 200-400W | 6h | 440-880 kWh | EUR 132-264 |
| Electric Stove | 2,000-4,000W | 1h | 400-600 kWh | EUR 120-180 |
* At 30 cents/kWh
kW vs. kWh: The Difference
Kilowatt (kW) = Power
- • How quickly energy is consumed
- • Momentary draw of a device
- • Comparable to speed (km/h)
- • Example: Hair dryer has 2 kW power
Kilowatt Hour (kWh) = Energy
- • How much energy was consumed in total
- • Power × Time
- • Comparable to distance (km)
- • Example: Hair dryer 30 min = 1 kWh
Average Annual Consumption by Household Size
1,500
kWh/year
1 Person
approx. EUR 450
2,500
kWh/year
2 Persons
approx. EUR 750
3,500
kWh/year
3 Persons
approx. EUR 1,050
4,500
kWh/year
4+ Persons
approx. EUR 1,350
Without electric water heating. With tankless water heater about 30-50% more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate kWh?
Formula: kWh = Power (Watts) x Time (Hours) / 1,000. Example: A 2,000-watt hair dryer used for 30 minutes = 2,000 x 0.5 / 1,000 = 1 kWh. At 30 cents/kWh, that costs 30 cents.
How much kWh does a household use per year?
An average German household uses approximately: 1-person 1,500 kWh, 2-persons 2,500 kWh, 3-persons 3,500 kWh, 4-persons 4,500 kWh per year. With electric heating or heat pump, significantly more.
How much does 1 kWh of electricity cost in 2026?
The average price for household electricity is about 30-35 cents per kWh in 2026. In basic supply often 38-42 cents, with cheaper providers 26-30 cents.
How much is 1,000 kWh per year?
1,000 kWh corresponds roughly to the annual consumption of: 2 refrigerators, or 5 years of LED lighting, or 1,000 hours of TV. Cost: approximately EUR 300-350.
What is the difference between kW and kWh?
kW (kilowatt) is power – how quickly energy is consumed. kWh (kilowatt hour) is energy amount – how much was consumed in total. Analogy: kW = speed, kWh = distance traveled.
Legal Notice
The kilowatt hour is the legal billing unit for electricity and gas in Germany. Energy providers must state consumption in kWh on invoices. The electricity meter measures consumption in kWh. Status: February 2026.