Kilowatt Hour
The kilowatt hour (kWh) is the unit of measurement for energy consumption - one kWh equals the consumption of a 1,000-watt device for one hour.
Key Takeaways
- •The kilowatt hour (kWh) is the unit of measurement for energy consumption - one kWh equals the consumption of a 1,000-watt device for one hour.
- •Kilowatt Hour belongs to the Energy category. We explain it step by step for newcomers to Germany.
- •A 2,000-watt kettle running for 5 minutes consumes: 2 kW × (5/60) h = 0.167 kWh. At 30 ct/kWh, this costs about 5 cents.
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Detailed Explanation
The kilowatt hour is the standard unit for billing electricity and gas. It enables comparison of different energy tariffs and calculation of energy costs.
Conversion: - 1 kWh = 1,000 watt hours (Wh) - 1 MWh = 1,000 kWh - 1 GWh = 1,000,000 kWh
Typical consumption (electricity): - 1 person: 1,500 kWh/year - 2 persons: 2,500 kWh/year - 4 persons: 4,000 kWh/year - With hot water: +1,000-1,500 kWh
Examples for 1 kWh: - 10 hours of 100-watt light bulb - 5 hours of laptop - 1 hour of vacuum cleaner - 1 wash load at 60°C
Gas consumption: - Also stated in kWh - 1 m³ natural gas ≈ 10 kWh - Heating: 12,000-20,000 kWh/year (apartment)
Calculation Formula
kWh = Power (kW) × Time (h)Practical Example
A 2,000-watt kettle running for 5 minutes consumes: 2 kW × (5/60) h = 0.167 kWh. At 30 ct/kWh, this costs about 5 cents.
Legal Basis
International System of Units (SI)
Related Terms
Sources & Methodology
Our methodology: the meinetarife24 Editorial Team checks every definition against binding primary data sources and consumer-focused reference portals. We name the relevant legal basis, link related terms and update each entry regularly. We do not sell loans or tariffs ourselves. This explanation is provided purely for information.
- • Legal basis: International System of Units (SI)
- • Price Indication Regulation (PAngV) at Gesetze im Internet
- • Finanztip and the Deutsche Bundesbank as independent references on interest rates and consumer credit.