Power tools make DIY projects, home maintenance, and workshop jobs far quicker and easier. From drills and jigsaws to angle grinders and pressure washers, electric tools deliver the speed and power needed to handle demanding tasks.
Because many of these tools rely on electric motors, it’s natural to wonder how much electricity they actually consume and whether regular use noticeably increases household energy bills.
In reality, most power tools only draw electricity while they are actively being used, which means their overall energy consumption is usually quite low compared with appliances that run continuously.
In this guide we’ll explain typical power tool wattage, how electricity usage varies between tools, and what it actually costs to run common workshop equipment.
So, let’s get started.
How Much Electricity Do Power Tools Use?
The amount of electricity a power tool uses mainly depends on the size of its motor and the type of task it performs.
Smaller tools such as electric screwdrivers or compact drills generally require only a few hundred watts. Larger tools designed for cutting, grinding or high-pressure cleaning often require far more power.
Most household power tools fall somewhere between 300 watts and 2000 watts, although larger equipment can exceed this range.
Even though some tools use powerful motors, they are usually operated for short periods rather than continuously, which keeps total electricity consumption relatively low.
This table shows the typical wattage of several common power tools along with the approximate electricity cost if they were used continuously for one hour (*Estimated using an electricity price of £0.25 per kWh (rounded) based on the UK average electricity rate of 24.67p per kWh as of April 2026, according to Ofgem’s Energy Price Cap).
Do Cordless Power Tools Use Less Electricity?
Cordless tools don’t necessarily use less electricity than corded tools, but they use energy in a slightly different way.
Instead of drawing power directly from a wall socket while operating, cordless tools rely on rechargeable batteries. These batteries are charged using electricity from your home and then store that energy until the tool is used.
Most modern cordless tools use lithium-ion batteries, which are designed to be efficient and lose very little energy during charging. Chargers typically draw electricity only while actively charging the battery and switch to a very low power mode once charging is complete.
Because battery charging sessions are usually short, the total electricity cost of running cordless tools is typically very small. In many cases, charging a drill battery may only use a few pence worth of electricity.
If you’re building a cordless setup, it’s also worth considering battery compatibility between tools. Many brands design their tools to share the same battery platform, which can reduce the number of chargers and batteries you need.
Our Cordless Power Tool Battery Guide explains how battery voltage, capacity, and platform choice affect tool performance and long-term value.
What Affects Power Tool Electricity Usage?
Several factors influence how much electricity a power tool actually consumes during use. The most obvious factor is motor size, which is usually measured in watts. Tools with larger motors can deliver greater torque or cutting force, but they will also draw more electricity while operating.
The type of task also plays an important role. Cutting dense hardwood, grinding metal, or pressure washing heavily soiled surfaces requires more effort from the motor than lighter tasks. When the motor works harder, it draws more power.
Another important factor is usage time. A powerful tool that runs for only a few minutes during a quick DIY job may consume less electricity overall than a lower-powered tool used continuously for longer periods.
Modern tool design can also influence efficiency. Many newer power tools include improved motor technology and electronic controls that allow them to deliver strong performance without wasting unnecessary energy.
In practical terms, most DIY tools are only used intermittently, which means their overall impact on household electricity consumption remains relatively small.
How Much Does It Cost to Run Power Tools in Real Use?
Although some power tools use relatively powerful motors, they are rarely running continuously for long periods. This means the real cost of operating them is usually much lower than the maximum hourly estimates shown in wattage tables.
For example, a 1500-watt circular saw running continuously for one hour would use around 1.5 kWh of electricity, costing roughly 35–40 pence based on typical UK electricity prices. However, most cutting tasks only take a few minutes, meaning the actual cost of the job may only be a few pence.
The same applies to tools like drills and angle grinders. Even though their motors are relatively powerful, they are typically used in short bursts rather than long operating sessions.
Larger equipment such as pressure washers or table saws may consume more electricity during use, but they still have a minimal impact on overall household energy costs unless they are used for extended periods every day.
For most homeowners and DIY users, the electricity required to run power tools represents only a very small part of the overall cost of a project, especially when compared with materials, replacement blades, or accessories.
Final Thoughts
Power tools may seem energy-intensive because many of them use high-wattage motors, but their overall electricity consumption is usually quite small in real-world use. Most DIY tools only run for short periods, meaning the cost per task is often just a few pence.
Even more powerful equipment such as circular saws, angle grinders, or pressure washers typically have a minimal impact on household electricity bills unless they are used continuously for long periods.
For most homeowners, the more important factors when choosing tools are reliability, performance, and suitability for the task rather than energy consumption alone. Modern electric tools are designed to deliver strong performance while remaining relatively efficient.
If you’re building a workshop or planning new DIY projects, it’s worth focusing on tools that balance power, durability, and ease of use. Our Power Tool Buying Guide explains how to choose the right tools for different projects and workloads.
FAQs
Most power tools use between 300W and 2000W depending on the type of tool and the size of the motor. However, because tools are usually only used for short periods, the actual electricity cost is typically very small – often just a few pence per task.
Cordless tools don’t necessarily use less electricity, but their batteries are usually charged in short sessions that consume relatively little power. Charging a typical drill battery may only cost a few pence depending on battery capacity and electricity prices.
High-power tools such as pressure washers, circular saws, and angle grinders tend to draw the most electricity because they use larger motors. Even so, their running costs remain relatively low unless they are used continuously for long periods.
Thanks for reading our article covering power tool energy usage.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or queries that you’d like us to take a look at – we’d be happy to help.
