How Much Electricity Does a TV Use?
How much electricity does a TV use? Usually 65 to 133 watts. Enter your wattage and rate below for the exact cost.
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TV electricity cost calculator
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How the math works: 120 W × 5 hours ÷ 1,000 = 0.6 kWh a day. × 30 days = 18 kWh a month. × $0.165 per kWh (the 2024 U.S. average) = about $2.97 a month.
Most TVs draw somewhere between 65 and 133 watts depending on screen size, with a typical flat-screen averaging around 120 watts.
| TV | Typical watts |
|---|---|
| 19-inch | 65-110 W |
| 36-inch | 133 W |
| Flat-screen (average) | 120 W |
What affects how much electricity a TV uses
- Screen size: the biggest factor. A large TV has more pixels to light up than a small one.
- Panel type: OLED and older plasma sets tend to draw more than modern LED/LCD panels, especially at high brightness.
- Picture mode: a bright "vivid" or "dynamic" mode can use noticeably more power than a calibrated or energy-saver mode.
- Standby: a "quick start" standby mode keeps drawing power even when you're not watching.
How to reduce your TV's electricity use
- Lower the screen brightness from the factory "vivid" or "dynamic" preset
- Turn off any “quick start” or instant-on standby mode in the settings menu
- Use the TV’s built-in energy-saver or eco picture mode
- Unplug or use a smart plug to fully cut power during long absences
Standby mode is part of a bigger picture; see standby power and vampire loads across the whole home.
Typical wattage figure: 65-133 W depending on screen size (19"-36"+); flat-screen average roughly 120 W. Source: DOE-developed appliance energy table, reproduced by Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), publication BSE-301. Modern LED sets often run lower than this table suggests. Varies significantly by size, panel type, and brightness setting. We review this figure periodically and update it if the source changes; last checked September 2026. Cedrick Reese built this TV cost calculator and rechecks the wattage figure against the source above.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does a TV use?
Most TVs run somewhere between 65 and 133 watts depending on screen size, with a flat-screen average around 120 watts, according to a DOE-developed appliance energy table reproduced by Virginia Cooperative Extension. Actual draw varies by panel type, size, and how bright the screen is set.
How much does it cost to run a TV?
Use the calculator above with your TV's wattage (check its spec label or manual if you know it) and your own electricity rate for a real number. As a rough reference, a 120-watt TV run 5 hours a day at the U.S. average rate of about 16.5 cents/kWh costs roughly $3 a month.
Does a TV use a lot of electricity compared to other appliances?
No. A TV is a relatively small, steady load compared to heating and cooling equipment or a water heater, which typically draw several times more power. It's rarely a major driver of a home's total electricity bill on its own.
How can I reduce how much electricity my TV uses?
Lowering the screen brightness, turning off any "quick start" or always-on standby mode in the settings, and using the TV's built-in energy-saver picture mode all meaningfully cut usage. Unplugging it (or using a smart plug to cut power) when you'll be away for an extended period also eliminates standby draw.
This page provides estimates based on typical wattage figures and the numbers you enter. Actual electricity cost depends on your specific TV model, settings, and usage pattern.