LED Savings Calculator
Compare the electricity cost of an old bulb with an LED bulb and see how fast the upgrade pays back.
This is handy for home lighting upgrades, office retrofits, and quick payback checks before buying new bulbs.
Savings Result
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Run the calculation to see the savings breakdown.
Quick Answer
LED savings come from using fewer watts for the same lighting hours. The bigger the watt gap and the higher the electricity rate, the faster the payback.
How to Calculate LED Savings
- Enter the wattage of the old bulb and the LED bulb.
- Add your daily usage and electricity rate.
- Compare the annual operating cost for each bulb.
- Divide the extra upfront cost by the yearly savings to estimate payback.
Formula
Annual cost = (watts / 1000) x hours per day x days per year x electricity rate
Annual savings = old annual cost - LED annual cost
Payback time = (LED price - old bulb price) / daily savings
Worked Examples
Example 1: A 60 W bulb replaced by a 9 W LED for 5 hours per day at $0.18/kWh saves about $16.54 per year.
Example 2: A 75 W bulb replaced by a 10 W LED used 8 hours per day pays back faster because the energy gap is larger.
Example 3: A frequently used kitchen light often saves more than a rarely used closet bulb.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Output | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Higher savings | The LED uses much less power or runs many hours each day. | LED replacement is usually worth it. |
| Long payback | The bulb is rarely used or the price gap is large. | Focus on lights with longer run times first. |
| Negative savings | The LED costs more to run, which should be rare. | Check the wattage and electricity rate inputs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
References
- OmniCalculator reference page
- LED savings depend on wattage, usage time, and local electricity prices.
- Last reviewed: March 2026.