How much does it cost to run a string trimmer?
A string trimmer costs about 9.0¢ per hour, 0.6¢ a day, $0.20 a month and $1 a year at typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Corded trimmers draw 3.5-8 A (400-1,000 W); battery trimmers use about 0.1-0.2 kWh per charge.
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Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery trimmer charging | 150 | 2.7¢ | 0.2¢ | $0.06 | $0 |
| Corded trimmer | 500 | 9.0¢ | 0.6¢ | $0.20 | $1 |
At 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 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 | 0.07 | 1.3¢ | $0.39 | $5 |
| 2 hours | 0.14 | 2.6¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| 4 hours | 0.29 | 5.1¢ | $1.56 | $19 |
| 8 hours | 0.57 | 10¢ | $3.13 | $38 |
| 12 hours | 0.86 | 15¢ | $4.69 | $56 |
| 24 hours | 1.71 | 31¢ | $9.39 | $113 |
Cost to run a string trimmer in every state
The same string trimmer costs $1 a year in North Dakota and $3 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¢ | 6.2¢ | $0.13 | $1 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 6.3¢ | $0.14 | $1 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 6.4¢ | $0.14 | $1 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 6.5¢ | $0.14 | $1 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 6.7¢ | $0.14 | $1 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 6.7¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 6.7¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 6.8¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 6.8¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 6.9¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 7.0¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 7.0¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 7.0¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 7.1¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 7.1¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 7.1¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 7.4¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 7.4¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 7.5¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 7.6¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 7.7¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 7.7¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 7.7¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 7.7¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 7.8¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 7.8¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 8.0¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 8.1¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 8.2¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 8.2¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 8.3¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 8.5¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 8.9¢ | $0.19 | $1 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 9.1¢ | $0.20 | $1 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 9.4¢ | $0.20 | $1 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 9.4¢ | $0.20 | $1 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 10¢ | $0.23 | $2 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 11¢ | $0.23 | $2 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 11¢ | $0.23 | $2 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 12¢ | $0.26 | $2 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 12¢ | $0.26 | $2 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 12¢ | $0.26 | $2 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 13¢ | $0.29 | $2 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 13¢ | $0.29 | $2 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 14¢ | $0.30 | $2 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 14¢ | $0.31 | $2 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 15¢ | $0.32 | $2 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 15¢ | $0.32 | $2 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 15¢ | $0.33 | $2 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 16¢ | $0.36 | $3 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 22¢ | $0.47 | $3 |
How to cut the cost
- Use 0.065-0.080 in. line as specified; heavier line makes the motor work harder.
- Trim after mowing in one pass rather than multiple sessions.
- Unplug battery chargers once full.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Only draws energy to recharge; no cord.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| String trimmer | 500 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | $0.20 | $1 |
| Leaf blower | 1,200 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | $0.47 | $3 |
| Hedge trimmer | 500 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 5 months a year | $0.20 | $1 |
| Battery lawn mower | 300 | 1.5 hours a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | $0.48 | $3 |
| Electric lawn mower (corded) | 1,400 | 45 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | $0.82 | $6 |
| Electric snow blower | 1,700 | 45 minutes a day, 2 days a week for 4 months a year | $1.99 | $8 |
| Electric chainsaw | 1,800 | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | $0.70 | $4 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a string trimmer per hour?
A string trimmer drawing 500 watts uses 0.50 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 9.0¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 6.2¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 22¢.
How much does it cost to run a string trimmer per month?
At typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year), a string trimmer costs about $0.20 a month while in use and $1 a year over the 7 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 a string trimmer use?
Most string trimmers use 200 to 1,000 watts, depending on the setting (battery trimmer charging 150 W, corded trimmer 500 W). Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a string trimmer use?
About 0.04 kWh a day and 8 kWh a year at typical use (30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year).
Does a string trimmer use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 8 kWh a year it's a small share (0.1%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a string trimmer or a leaf blower?
At typical use, a string trimmer costs about $1 a year versus $3 for a leaf blower. So the string trimmer is cheaper by about $1 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a string trimmer?
- Use 0.065-0.080 in. line as specified; heavier line makes the motor work harder.
- Trim after mowing in one pass rather than multiple sessions.
- Unplug battery chargers once full.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.