How many watts does an electric dryer use?
An electric dryer uses 2,800–5,600 watts while running, which is 11.7–23.3 amps at 240 V.
Electric dryer watts, amps and circuit
| Running watts | 2,800–5,600 W |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 240 V |
| Running amps | 11.7–23.3 A |
| Circuit | 30 A breaker, dedicated circuit |
| Wire size (copper, NM-B cable) | 10 AWG |
| Energy per year | 608–687 kWh |
| Energy per day, average | 1.7–1.9 kWh |
| Cost per year at $0.18/kWh | $109–$124 |
Also called: dryer, clothes dryer, electric clothes dryer, 240v dryer.
What size generator runs an electric dryer?
An electric dryer needs a generator that supplies at least 5,600 running watts. A 7,500 W generator covers it with its running rating alone; add the watts of anything else you run at the same time. The generator must have a 240 V outlet or be connected through a transfer switch or interlock.
What it costs to run an electric dryer
An electric dryer uses 608–687 kWh a year, which costs $109–$124 a year at $0.18 per kWh, the US average residential price for August 2026, or about $9–$10 a month.
Your bill's total ÷ kWh used. 0.18 is the US residential average.
- Per day
- $0.30
- Per year
- $110
- Energy per day
- 1.68 kWh
- Energy per month
- 51.1 kWh
How it is calculated
- kWh per day = 4,200 W × 0.4 h ÷ 1,000 = 1.68
- Per month = 1.68 kWh × 30.4 days × $0.18 = $9.20
What affects electric dryer power use
Most of the power goes to the heating element, which cycles on and off to hold the drum temperature. A full-size electric dryer runs on a dedicated 240 V, 30 A circuit. A gas dryer burns gas for heat and only powers the drum motor and controls from a standard 120 V outlet.
How the amps are calculated
Amps = watts ÷ volts. For 5,600 W at 240 V that is 23.3 A. The 2,800–5,600 W range covers typical models; the nameplate on an electric dryer gives the exact figure.