Electricity Bill Calculator — Meter Reading
This electricity bill calculator uses your own meter readings, so there's no estimating involved — enter your previous and current readings to get an exact usage and cost figure straight from your own meter rather than a typical-usage assumption.
Estimated cost
Enter both readings and your rate to see your estimate.
How to read your meter
Digital meters
Most digital meters display a number directly, sometimes after pressing a button to light up the screen. Write down every digit shown in white or black. Ignore digits shown in red or on a red background — those typically represent a different measurement, like peak demand, rather than your cumulative kWh total.
Dial (analog) meters
Older mechanical meters use five small clock-style dials that alternate direction (clockwise, then counterclockwise, then clockwise again). Read them left to right: for each dial, record the smaller number if the pointer sits between two digits, and record 9 if it's between 9 and 0. If a dial points exactly at a number but the next dial to its right is pointing at 9, subtract 1 from that dial's reading.
The math here is exact once you have two accurate readings: kWh used = current reading − previous reading, cost = that figure × your rate, plus any fixed fee. The meter-reading instructions below (digital and dial/analog meters) are adapted from utility and electrician guidance, including Mister Sparky's electric meter reading guide. Last checked September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How do I read a digital electric meter?
Most digital meters show a number directly on the display (you may need to press a button to light it up). Write down every digit shown in white or black; ignore any digits shown in red or on a red background, since those often represent a different measurement (like a demand reading) rather than cumulative kWh.
How do I read a dial (analog) electric meter?
A dial meter has five small clock-style dials, each numbered 0-9, that alternate turning clockwise and counterclockwise. Read left to right: for each dial, write down the number the pointer has most recently passed (if it's between two numbers, use the smaller one, and if it's between 9 and 0, use 9). One exception: if a dial points exactly at a number but the dial to its right is pointing at 9, subtract 1 from that dial's reading.
Why is my usage different from what I expected?
Compare your two readings carefully; a misread dial or a typo in either number will throw off the result. If both readings are accurate, the difference reflects everything that ran during that period, including appliances that cycle on and off in the background, like a refrigerator or water heater, not just what was obviously in use.
What if my current reading is lower than my previous reading?
That usually means the meter rolled over past its maximum digit count (common on older mechanical meters with a fixed number of dials) or the readings were taken from different meters or accounts. Double-check both numbers before assuming a rollover, and contact your utility if the gap doesn't make sense.
Related tools
This calculator provides estimates based on the readings and rate you enter. It does not account for tiered rates, time-of-use pricing, or taxes your utility may apply.