Circular saw vs. cordless drill (charging): running cost
A cordless drill (charging) is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $4 for a circular saw at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $2 difference.
| Circular saw | Cordless drill (charging) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,500 W | 70 W |
| Watt range | 1,000–1,800 W | 30–150 W |
| Typical use | 15 minutes a day, 1 days a week | 1 hour a day, 1 days a week |
| Energy per year | 20 kWh | 8 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 27¢ | 1.3¢ |
| Cost per day | 1.0¢ | 0.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.29 | $0.12 |
| Cost per year | $4 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $9 | $3 |
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What drives the difference
- Circular saw: Corded circular saws are 13-15 A tools; energy use is tiny because cuts take seconds.
- Cordless drill (charging): Charging a 20 V 2-5 Ah battery takes 0.05-0.12 kWh; weekly charging costs under $1 a year.
Ways to cut either cost
Brushless motors are 10-30% more efficient, extending runtime per charge.
See options on AmazonUses only charging energy and avoids extension cords.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a circular saw or a cordless drill (charging)?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a circular saw costs about $4 a year versus $1 for a cordless drill (charging). That's $2 more, or 2.4× as much.
How many watts do circular saw and cordless drill (charging) use?
A circular saw typically draws 1,500 W (range 1,000–1,800 W). A cordless drill (charging) draws 70 W (range 30–150 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.