How much does it cost to run a USB fan?
A USB fan costs about 0.05¢ per hour, 0.3¢ a day, $0.10 a month and $0 a year at typical use (6 hours a day for 5 months a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. USB and rechargeable fans use about 1-10 W; recharging a handheld fan uses a few watt-hours.
Calculate your cost
Add as many devices as you like to compare them side by side. Search again to add another, or use Duplicate to compare two settings.
Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.00 | 0.05¢ | $0.02 | $0 |
| 2 hours | 0.01 | 0.1¢ | $0.03 | $0 |
| 4 hours | 0.01 | 0.2¢ | $0.07 | $1 |
| 8 hours | 0.02 | 0.4¢ | $0.13 | $2 |
| 12 hours | 0.04 | 0.6¢ | $0.20 | $2 |
| 24 hours | 0.07 | 1.3¢ | $0.39 | $5 |
Cost to run a USB fan in every state
The same USB fan costs $0 a year in North Dakota and $1 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¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.07 | $0 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.07 | $0 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.07 | $0 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.07 | $0 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.07 | $0 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.07 | $0 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.07 | $0 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.07 | $0 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 0.04¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.08 | $0 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.09 | $0 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.09 | $0 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.09 | $0 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.09 | $0 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.09 | $0 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.09 | $0 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.09 | $0 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.10 | $0 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 0.05¢ | $0.10 | $0 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 0.06¢ | $0.10 | $1 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 0.06¢ | $0.10 | $1 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 0.06¢ | $0.11 | $1 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 0.06¢ | $0.12 | $1 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 0.06¢ | $0.12 | $1 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 0.07¢ | $0.13 | $1 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 0.07¢ | $0.13 | $1 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 0.07¢ | $0.13 | $1 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 0.08¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 0.08¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 0.08¢ | $0.15 | $1 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 0.09¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 0.09¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 0.09¢ | $0.16 | $1 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 0.09¢ | $0.17 | $1 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 0.10¢ | $0.18 | $1 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.24 | $1 |
How to cut the cost
- Unplug the USB power adapter when not in use.
- Use the lowest speed that keeps you comfortable to extend battery life.
- Charge from a computer USB port you already have running.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Cordless cooling anywhere for a few watts.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB fan | 3 | 6 hours a day for 5 months a year | $0.10 | $0 |
| Desk fan | 25 | 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 5 months a year | $0.78 | $4 |
| Personal air cooler | 10 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $0.44 | $2 |
| Tower fan | 50 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $2.28 | $11 |
| Bathroom exhaust fan | 15 | 1 hour a day | $0.08 | $1 |
| Whole-house humidifier | 20 | 12 hours a day for 5 months a year | $0.66 | $3 |
| Humidifier | 30 | 10 hours a day for 5 months a year | $1.72 | $9 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a USB fan per hour?
A USB fan drawing 3 watts uses 0.00 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 0.05¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 0.04¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 0.1¢.
How much does it cost to run a USB fan per month?
At typical use (6 hours a day for 5 months a year), a USB fan costs about $0.10 a month while in use and $0 a year over the 5 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 USB fan use?
Most USB fans use 1 to 10 watts. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a USB fan use?
About 0.02 kWh a day and 3 kWh a year at typical use (6 hours a day for 5 months a year).
Does a USB fan use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 3 kWh a year it's a small share (0.0%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a USB fan or a desk fan?
At typical use, a USB fan costs about $0 a year versus $4 for a desk fan. So the USB fan 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 a USB fan?
- Unplug the USB power adapter when not in use.
- Use the lowest speed that keeps you comfortable to extend battery life.
- Charge from a computer USB port you already have running.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.