🔌 Generator Wattage Calculator

Select the appliances you want to power or add your own:








Add Custom Appliance





🔋 Total Required Wattage:

0 Watts

⚙️ Recommended Generator Size:

💼 Suggested Generator:

N/A

💡 Estimated Daily Energy Use:

N/A

⛽ Estimated Fuel Consumption:

N/A

📌 Tips:

  • Always add 20–30% extra wattage for startup surges.
  • Check if your generator supports inverter or dual fuel if you need quieter or flexible power options.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances to save fuel and generator runtime.
  • Turn off appliances not in use to lower total load.

📥 Save Your Results:

What is the Generator Wattage Calculator?

The Generator Wattage Calculator is here to help you easily calculate how much power you need to run your appliances. By simply selecting your appliances and adding your usage time, you’ll get a detailed estimate of the wattage required and the size of generator you’ll need to power them effectively. Whether you’re looking for a small portable generator or a heavy-duty backup power solution, this tool will guide you to the right choice.

How to Use the Generator Wattage Calculator

  • Select Your Appliances
  • Step 1: Check the box next to each appliance you want to power. Common items like refrigerators, microwaves, and lights are pre-listed with their wattage.
  • Step 2: If you don’t see your appliance, simply add it yourself! Enter the appliance name and its wattage in the custom fields.
  • Set Your Estimated Usage Time
  • Step 3: How long will you run each appliance? Enter the estimated run time in hours per day.
  • Hit ‘Calculate’
  • Step 4: Click the “Calculate” button to get your results. You’ll see:
  • Total Wattage required for all appliances
  • Recommended Generator Size (with a 25% safety margin)
  • Fuel Consumption Estimate (how much fuel your generator will use)
  • Energy Use (daily usage in kWh)
  • Get Generator Suggestions
  • Based on your wattage needs, we’ll suggest ideal generators you can check out on Amazon.
  • Save Your Results
  • Step 5: Want to keep a record? Download your results as a PDF for later reference!

Why Should You Use This Calculator?

  • Quick & Easy: No need to guess or calculate manually. Our tool does the math for you.
  • Personalized Results: Get tailored generator suggestions based on your appliance list.
  • Fuel & Energy Estimates: Understand how much fuel your generator will use and how much energy your appliances consume.
  • Custom Appliances: Add any appliance not listed to get a completely personalized calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does wattage mean?

Wattage refers to how much power an appliance uses. Knowing the wattage is crucial to selecting a generator that can power everything you need. If you’re not sure about the wattage, don’t worry—we’ll help you through the process!

2. Why should I add extra wattage for surge power?

Many appliances, especially those with motors (like refrigerators), need extra power to start. That’s called surge wattage. Our calculator adds an extra 20–30% to the recommended generator size to cover these surges, ensuring your generator doesn’t overload.

3. Can I add my own appliances?

Yes! If you have an appliance not listed, simply add its name and wattage in the Custom Appliance section.

4. How do I know what size generator I need?

Once you enter your appliance details, the calculator will give you a recommended generator size based on your total wattage needs. It’s the perfect size to ensure your generator can handle both regular and surge loads.

5. How do I estimate fuel consumption?

Our tool provides an estimate based on your total wattage and how long you plan to run your appliances. Fuel consumption is calculated in gallons per day, so you can plan ahead.

Quick Tips for Choosing Your Generator

  • Inverter Generators: If you need a quiet, portable solution for small appliances, consider an inverter generator (ideal for camping or tailgating).
  • Dual-Fuel Generators: For added flexibility, consider a dual-fuel generator that can run on both gasoline and propane—perfect for longer power outages.
  • Heavy-Duty Generators: For larger loads like air conditioners or large appliances, go for 5000W+ generators.

Download Your Results:

Want to save your results for later? You can download your wattage and generator suggestions as a PDF. Just click the “Download as PDF” button after you calculate your wattage.

Example Calculation:

Let’s say you want to power the following appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 1000W
  • Microwave: 1500W
  • Laptop: 600W
  • Air Conditioner: 1200W
  • LED Light Bulb: 100W

Total Wattage:
Total wattage required = 1000W + 1500W + 600W + 1200W + 100W = 4400W

Recommended Generator Size:
We recommend adding a 25% safety margin:
4400W * 1.25 = 5500W
So, a 5500W generator is ideal for this setup.

Want to See Generator Options?

Once you calculate your wattage and get your recommended generator size, you’ll see personalized generator recommendations with Amazon links. Click through to explore and find the best options based on your needs.

Get Started Now:

Simply select your appliances, enter your usage time, and click Calculate. It’s that easy!