How Much Electricity Does a Dryer Use?
So how much electricity does a dryer use? An electric clothes dryer typically draws 1,800 to 5,000 watts, making it one of the higher-wattage appliances in a typical home. Because a full cycle usually runs 40 to 60 minutes, the per-load cost adds up even though it's not running all day — use the calculator below with your own dryer's wattage and rate for a real number.
Calculate your cost to run a dryer
Enter your rate to see your estimate.
What affects how much electricity a dryer uses
The heating element size is the main factor, and it varies significantly between models. Gas dryers draw much less electricity than electric dryers, since gas handles the heating and electricity only runs the drum motor and controls. Load size and moisture level matter too: an overloaded dryer or a load that's still very wet when it goes in takes longer to dry, which means more runtime and more electricity used per load.
How to reduce your dryer's electricity use
- Run a high-speed spin cycle on the washer first to remove as much water as possible before drying
- Clean the lint trap before every load, since a clogged trap forces the dryer to run longer
- Dry similar-weight fabrics together so lighter items don't finish early while heavier ones keep the cycle running
- Use the moisture sensor setting instead of a fixed timer, if your dryer has one, so it stops as soon as clothes are dry
Typical wattage figure: 1,800-5,000 W. Source: DOE-developed appliance energy table, reproduced by Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), publication BSE-301. Varies significantly by heating element size and cycle. Gas dryers draw much less electricity than electric dryers. We review this figure periodically and update it if the source changes; last checked September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does a dryer use?
An electric clothes dryer typically draws 1,800 to 5,000 watts, according to a DOE-developed appliance energy table reproduced by Virginia Cooperative Extension. Gas dryers draw substantially less electricity since the heating comes from gas rather than an electric element.
How much does it cost to run a dryer?
A 3,000-watt dryer run for one hour at the U.S. average rate of about 16.5 cents/kWh costs roughly $0.49 per load. Use the calculator above with your own dryer's wattage and typical cycle length for an exact figure.
Does an electric dryer cost more to run than a gas dryer?
Generally yes, per load, since an electric dryer's heating element draws far more power than a gas dryer's igniter and blower motor. Gas dryers do have their own fuel cost on top of a smaller electricity draw, so the total cost comparison depends on your local gas and electricity rates.
How can I reduce how much electricity my dryer uses?
Spin-dry clothes in the washer first so the dryer has less moisture to remove, clean the lint trap before every load, and use a moisture sensor setting instead of a fixed timer if your dryer has one, so it stops as soon as the load is actually dry.
This page provides estimates based on typical wattage figures and the numbers you enter. Actual electricity cost depends on your specific dryer model, load size, and cycle length.