How much does it cost to run an electric chainsaw?
An electric chainsaw costs about 32¢ per hour, 2.3¢ a day, $0.70 a month and $4 a year at typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Corded chainsaws are typically 12-15 A (up to 1,800 W) motors; real draw depends on cutting load.
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Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery chainsaw charging | 300 | 5.4¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.12 | $1 |
| Corded 15 A | 1,800 | 32¢ | 2.3¢ | $0.70 | $4 |
At 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year and 17.99¢/kWh.
Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.26 | 4.6¢ | $1.41 | $17 |
| 2 hours | 0.51 | 9.3¢ | $2.82 | $34 |
| 4 hours | 1.03 | 19¢ | $5.63 | $68 |
| 8 hours | 2.06 | 37¢ | $11.26 | $135 |
| 12 hours | 3.09 | 56¢ | $16.90 | $203 |
| 24 hours | 6.17 | $1.11 | $33.79 | $406 |
Cost to run an electric chainsaw in every state
The same electric chainsaw costs $3 a year in North Dakota and $10 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | 22¢ | $0.48 | $3 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 23¢ | $0.50 | $3 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 23¢ | $0.50 | $3 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 23¢ | $0.51 | $3 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 24¢ | $0.52 | $3 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 24¢ | $0.52 | $3 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 24¢ | $0.53 | $3 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 24¢ | $0.53 | $3 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 25¢ | $0.54 | $3 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 25¢ | $0.54 | $3 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 25¢ | $0.54 | $3 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 25¢ | $0.55 | $3 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 25¢ | $0.55 | $3 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 25¢ | $0.55 | $3 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 25¢ | $0.55 | $3 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 26¢ | $0.56 | $3 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 27¢ | $0.58 | $3 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 27¢ | $0.58 | $3 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 27¢ | $0.59 | $4 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 27¢ | $0.59 | $4 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 28¢ | $0.60 | $4 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 28¢ | $0.60 | $4 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 28¢ | $0.60 | $4 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 28¢ | $0.61 | $4 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 28¢ | $0.61 | $4 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 28¢ | $0.61 | $4 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 29¢ | $0.62 | $4 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 29¢ | $0.63 | $4 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 30¢ | $0.64 | $4 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 30¢ | $0.64 | $4 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 30¢ | $0.65 | $4 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 30¢ | $0.66 | $4 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 32¢ | $0.70 | $4 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 33¢ | $0.71 | $4 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 34¢ | $0.73 | $4 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 34¢ | $0.74 | $4 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 37¢ | $0.81 | $5 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 38¢ | $0.82 | $5 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 38¢ | $0.82 | $5 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 43¢ | $0.93 | $6 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 43¢ | $0.93 | $6 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 44¢ | $0.95 | $6 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 48¢ | $1.04 | $6 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 48¢ | $1.05 | $6 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 50¢ | $1.10 | $7 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 51¢ | $1.11 | $7 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 53¢ | $1.15 | $7 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 53¢ | $1.15 | $7 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 55¢ | $1.19 | $7 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 59¢ | $1.29 | $8 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 78¢ | $1.70 | $10 |
How to cut the cost
- Keep the chain sharp and tensioned; a dull chain doubles cutting time.
- Keep the bar oil reservoir full to reduce friction.
- Use a 12-gauge cord for runs over 50 ft.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
A sharp chain cuts faster with less energy.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric chainsaw | 1,800 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | $0.70 | $4 |
| Hedge trimmer | 500 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 5 months a year | $0.20 | $1 |
| Pressure washer | 1,800 | 1 hour a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | $1.41 | $8 |
| Leaf blower | 1,200 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | $0.47 | $3 |
| Electric snow blower | 1,700 | 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week for 4 months a year | $1.99 | $8 |
| Electric lawn mower (corded) | 1,400 | 45 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | $0.82 | $6 |
| String trimmer | 500 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | $0.20 | $1 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run an electric chainsaw per hour?
An electric chainsaw drawing 1,800 watts uses 1.80 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 32¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 22¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 78¢.
How much does it cost to run an electric chainsaw per month?
At typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year), an electric chainsaw costs about $0.70 a month while in use and $4 a year over the 6 months it's typically used, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does an electric chainsaw use?
Most electric chainsaws use 800 to 1,800 watts, depending on the setting (battery chainsaw charging 300 W, corded 15 a 1,800 W). Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does an electric chainsaw use?
About 0.13 kWh a day and 23 kWh a year at typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year).
Does an electric chainsaw use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 23 kWh a year it's a small share (0.2%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run an electric chainsaw or a hedge trimmer?
At typical use, an electric chainsaw costs about $4 a year versus $1 for a hedge trimmer. So the hedge trimmer is cheaper by about $3 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running an electric chainsaw?
- Keep the chain sharp and tensioned; a dull chain doubles cutting time.
- Keep the bar oil reservoir full to reduce friction.
- Use a 12-gauge cord for runs over 50 ft.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.