Brief Answer: A typical modern TV uses anywhere between 50 and 200 watts, with some older models consuming around 200 - 500 watts.
If you are wondering how many watts does a TV use, the answer is simple.
If the TV amp is 1A and it is connected to a 120V outlet, the TV watts will be:
Watts = 120V × 1A = 120W.
For example, most CRT TVs draw 100 - 400 watts, plasma TVs consume 100 - 500 watts, and OLEDs consume 100 - 200 watts or more. The latest and most popular LCDs and LEDs consume nearly 70 - 200 watts and 50 - 100 watts, respectively. However, the exact wattage consumption will depend on the screen size, model, brightness settings, technology and type of TV you are using. Generally, LED TVs are the most efficient, while older or larger models like plasma TVs and OLEDs use more power.
Jackery Solar Generators are portable, lightweight, and powerful charging solutions that can power most types of TVs. The essential home backup solutions can supply steady electricity to most of your home appliances, including different types of TVs. Whether you're planning an outdoor movie night and want a portable power station to power TV and other outdoor appliances or wish to keep essential household appliances powered during outages, these solar-powered generators have got your back.
AI Takeaways
-
On average, LED TVs consume around 50 - 100W, whereas OLED TVs use more wattage (around 100 - 200W). LCD TVs use between 70 and 200W, whereas Plasma TVs can consume around 100W to as much as 500W.
- The electricity consumed by the TV will depend on the TV's wattage consumption and the runtime. If a TV (100W) runs for 5 hours, the electricity consumption will be 500Wh.
- Generally, most TVs consume less than one ampere when connected to a 120V outlet.
- What are the factors affecting TV wattage consumption, and how can you determine it?
- How much does it cost to power a run in different US states, and whether a generator can run a TV or not?
How Many Watts Does A TV Use?
A typical modern TV can use anywhere between 50 and 200 watts. The number of watts used by any TV will depend on its type. Here, we will include the different types of TV and their watts.
- CRT TV: These old technologies are bulky in size and consume around 100 - 400 watts. However, many people use CRT TVs as they are great for gaming purposes without any blurry motion or input lag.
- Plasma TVs: They are made up of tiny gas pockets and light up when high voltage is applied. Plasma TV has an excellent contrast ratio and views, which consumes around 100 - 500 watts.
- LCD: They are a great combination of picture quality and low power consumption. LCDs use cold-cathode fluorescent lamps for backlighting and consume around 70-200 watts.
- LED: While LCDs and LEDs use the same kind of technology, LED TVs typically use light-emitting diodes and are generally more economical.
-
OLED: This latest TV uses organic light-emitting diodes and uses more power than LEDs.
The following table reveals how many watts does a TV uses depending on different sizes and types.
|
Screen size (Inches) |
LED TV Watts |
OLED TV Watts |
LCD TV Watts |
CRT TV Watts |
Plasma TV Watts |
|
15 inch TV |
15 |
NA |
18 |
65 |
NA |
|
17 inch TV |
18 |
NA |
20 |
75 |
NA |
|
19 inch TV |
20 |
NA |
22 |
80 |
NA |
|
20 inch TV |
24 |
NA |
26 |
90 |
NA |
|
21 inch TV |
26 |
NA |
30 |
100 |
NA |
|
22 inch TV |
30 |
NA |
40 |
110 |
NA |
|
24 inch TV |
35 |
NA |
50 |
120 |
NA |
|
30 inch TV |
38 |
NA |
60 |
NA |
150 |
|
32 inch TV |
41 |
NA |
70 |
NA |
160 |
|
37 inch TV |
44 |
66 |
80 |
NA |
180 |
|
40 inch TV |
50 |
72 |
100 |
NA |
200 |
|
42 inch TV |
57 |
75 |
120 |
NA |
220 |
|
50 inch TV |
72 |
89 |
150 |
NA |
300 |
|
55 inch TV |
80 |
98 |
180 |
NA |
370 |
|
60 inch TV |
88 |
107 |
200 |
NA |
500 |
How Many Watts Does A TV Use Per Hour?
On average, TVs use between 50 and 200W, depending on the model you have. The hourly wattage consumption of TV will depend on the TV type, model, and size. Here's a table revealing how many watts does a TV use in one hour, depending on its type and model:
|
Type of TV |
Power Usage (Watts) |
|
OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) |
100 - 200W |
|
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) |
100 - 400W |
|
Plasma TV |
100 - 500W |
|
LED (Light Emitting Diode) |
50 - 100W |
|
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) |
70 - 200W |
If you want to calculate the exact answer to how many watts does a TV use in one day, all you need to do is multiply the hourly wattage consumption by the number of hours you use the appliance daily.
How Many Watts Does A 32-Inch TV Use?
A 32-inch TV typically consumes between 30 and 60 watts, depending on the model and technology. Most homeowners use a 32-inch TV because they are cheap, lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. The power consumption of same-size TVs will depend on the brand and its type. For example, a 32" LED TV will consume around 30-55 watts of power, whereas the 32" OLED uses 55-60 watts. The 32-inch LCD TV consumes higher watts, around 50-85 watts. The older 32" CRT TVs have the highest power consumption, which is equal to 150-200 watts, with an average of 170 watts.
How Many Watts Does A 55-Inch TV Use?
A 55-inch LED TV typically uses around 80 watts, whereas a 55-inch LCD TV consumes more power, up to 180 watts. A 55" inch TV is the larger version of the previous models and is becoming more and more popular. Their consumption may vary depending on the TV type. For example, the 55" LED consumes around 60-90 watts, whereas the 55" OLED has a power consumption rate of 105-110 watts.
How Many Watts Does A Flat Screen TV Use?
A typical modern flat TV consumes anywhere between 50 - 150 watts. However, it may depend on the size and model of the TV. For example, if you are using a 32” LED TV, it will consume 30 - 55 watts. On the other hand, if you are using a 32” LCD TV, it might consume a higher wattage of around 50 - 85 watts.
How Many Volts & Amps Does A TV Use?
A modern TV uses approximately 120 volts and draws roughly 0.5 to 2 amps, with actual amperage varying based on the TV's power consumption in watts (typically 50-200W) and factors like screen size, display technology (LED, OLED), and brightness settings. You can find the specific voltage and amperage by checking the power label on the back of your TV.
Volts and amps are the essential terms that determine how much electricity flows or is used by any appliance.
- Volts (V):It is short for voltage and typically measures the difference in electrical pressure. In other words, voltage is like the speed of electricity that passes through the circuit.
-
Amps (A):It is short for amperes and generally measures the electrical current. It is the amount of electrons that flow through the circuit.
Typically, TVs use around 120-volt outlets. If the TV amps 164W of hourly wattage, the amperage will be calculated as follows:
Amps = 164W / 120V = 1.37 amps.
How Much Electricity Does A TV Use?
On average, most TVs use anywhere between 50 - 200 watts. However, the TV watts will largely depend on the model and size of TV you have. It’s safe to say most modern TVs draw 100 watts, whereas older models might be less efficient and draw anywhere around 200W. Once you know how many watts does a TV use in one hour, you can calculate electricity usage by multiplying the wattage by the running time.
How Much Electricity Does A TV Use Per Month?
If you've a TV drawing 100 watts and are watching TV for nearly 2 hours daily. This calculates to 6kWh monthly. On the other hand, if you're using the same TV for 3 hours daily, the monthly electricity consumption will be 9kWh.
Here's how you can calculate the monthly electricity consumption of a 100W TV yourself:
Monthly Electricity Consumption = Watts × Daily Usage × 30 Days = 100W × 2H × 30 = 6kWh
How Many Amps Does a TV Use?
Most TVs typically consume less than one amp when connected to a 120V outlet. Let's take an example where we will calculate the amps of a TV drawing 120 watts from a 120-volt outlet.
Amps = Watts ÷ Volts = 120W ÷ 120V = 1 amps.
What Are The Factors Affecting TV Wattage?
The main factors affecting a TV's wattage are its screen size, technology type (e.g., LED, OLED, older CRT), brightness settings, screen resolution, features like smart functions, age of the TV, and overall usage habits, such as how long it's left on.
If you are wondering about how many watts does a TV use in one hour, you'll need to understand the factors that affect the TV watts.
Type of TV: Modern TVs and LED TVs are generally more energy-efficient than older models. Generally, Energy Star-certified TVs are 25% more efficient than conventional TVs.
|
TV Types |
Power Usage (W) |
Pros |
Cons |
|
LED (Light Emitting Diode) |
50-100W |
|
|
|
OLED TVs |
100-200W |
|
|
|
Plasma TVs |
100-500W |
|
|
TV Age: Like any other technology, the older an appliance gets, the more wattage it will consume. The CRT models use up to 100-200 watts, whereas the LED TV consumes 24-28 watts for small sizes and 90 watts for larger sets.
Size of TV: The larger TVs typically consume more energy than smaller ones. For example, a 48-inch TV consumes 80 watts of power. But how many watts does a 65-inch TV use? It is nearly 115 watts.
|
TV Model Type |
24-inch |
50-inch |
|
CRT |
75-120 watts |
N/A |
|
Plasma |
N/A |
150-500 watts |
|
LCD |
36-44 watts |
75-90 watts |
|
LED |
24-28 watts |
50-60 watts |
|
OLED |
N/A |
90-107 watts |
TV Usage: The more TV you use, the higher the watts consumption will be. It is best to switch off the TV when not in use to avoid higher bills.
Vampire Power: It's a term for how much power any device consumes when turned off but plugged in. TVs typically consume 5% of their usual power consumption, even in standby mode.
How to Determine The TV Power Consumption?
Most modern TVs, like LED or OLED, are more energy-efficient and have an ENERGY STAR-rated sign. It generally consumes around 150 watts. You can find the TV power consumption on the blank panel of the appliance. If, in case, you cannot find the wattage on the TV, you can check the appliance wattage chart or multiply the maximum TV voltage and amperage.
Formula: Watts of TV × Hours Used = Power Consumption
Example: A 150-wattage TV appliance, when used for three hours daily, will consume 150W × 3H = 450Wh daily.
Can You Run a TV on a Generator
Yes, you can run a TV on a generator. However, it is important to note that the generator's capacity is sufficient for the solar-powered TV and other appliances you would like to use at the same time. Jackery can power TVs and electronic entertainment devices, such as speakers, projectors, etc.
Jackery Solar Generators are essential home backup power solutions and can power different types of TVs for hours. If you live in an area that is prone to long-term power outages, you can consider the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000. On the other hand, those who want a more portable battery backup can invest in the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus.
Just like Tom, who powers essential appliances like refrigerators, fans, and lights during hurricane outages, many households trust Jackery to make long power cuts far less stressful. His story shows how having reliable backup power can turn an emergency into a manageable experience. Read Jackery stories to see how the solar generator can be a reliable power source.
Jackery Solar Generators for TV
According to the American Time Use Survey Summary by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 74% of people spent 2.7 hours daily watching TV, making it the most time-consuming leisure activity in 2023. Investing in a solar generator is one of the best ways to reduce the high electricity bills. It runs on the free solar energy that gets converted to electricity. With Jackery Solar Generators that combine power stations and solar panels, you can power TVs and even high-power-consuming appliances for long hours.
Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus
If you want a standard essential home backup solution that can power most household appliances, including most TV models, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 is an ideal choice. It has double wheels and a telescoping handle to move the portable power station from one place to another. It has multiple output ports so you can keep other appliances, such as fridges, lights, fans, etc., simultaneously.
Appliance running time:
- TV (50W) = 42.3H
- Large TV (200W) = 13.7H
- Projector (100W) = 25.0H
- LED lights (5W) = 112.8H
- Smart Speaker (20W) = 72.5H

Who Should Buy This
If you live in an outage-prone area and need a reliable home battery backup solution that can be expanded as your power needs grow, you can consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3600 Plus.
Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000
The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 is an easy backup solution that can power essential household appliances, such as refrigerators, TVs, etc. It has two side handles and a compact design for easy transportation around the home or even to the backyard or patio areas. It also comes with a seamless UPS switchover to ensure essential appliances, such as TVs, desktops, etc., start powering up in the blink of an eye during an outage.
Appliances Running Time
- TV (50W) = 36.3H
- Large TV (200W) = 11.8H
- Projector (100W) = 21.4H
- LED lights (5W) = 96.7H
- Smart Speaker (20W) = 62.2H

Who Should Buy This
If you want a more portable essential home backup solution with UPS support, you can consider going ahead with the smallest and lightest 3kWh solar generator — Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000.
Customer Review
“We bought the Jackery HomePower 3000 as a backup for my fifth wheel RV while the wife and I travel around the US. We will be doing some boondocking along the way, and we plan on using the HomePower 3000 rather than the noisy and gassy generator.” — Daniel.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an ideal solution for indoor and outdoor adventures. If you're planning an outdoor movie night or camping trip, you can bring the solar generator with you. It can also help you supply steady power to other outdoor appliances, such as electric grills, freezers, etc. It can even be expanded from 2kWh to 24kWh, so you can use it for emergency home backup solutions.
Appliance running time:
- TV (50W) = 24.6H
- Large TV (200W) = 7.7H
- Projector (100W) = 14.2H
- LED lights (5W) = 72.8H
- Smart Speaker (20W) = 44.1H

Who Should Buy This
If you want a solar generator with a battery capacity that can be expanded based on your power needs, then you can consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus.
Customer Review
“I gave my Jackery 2000 and 500W solar panels a run-through and am absolutely delighted with the performance, output, and input. A real tool that frees me to go off-grid without reservation. Love the ability to upgrade/add more modular power with ease.” — Thomas Lanen.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is another power solution that's capable of charging most appliances during power outages or outdoor adventures. The multiple output ports help you power other appliances, including lights, mobile phones, laptops, CPAP machines, etc. Its compact size, ergonomic design, and large capacity make the solar generator an ideal choice for most activities.
Appliance running time:
- TV (50W) = 15.2H
- Large TV (200W) = 4.8H
- Projector (100W) = 8.8H
- LED lights (5W) = 45.1H
- Smart Speaker (20W) = 27.3H

Who Should Buy This
If you aim for a solar battery backup that can power appliances both indoors and outdoors, you can consider the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus.
Customer Review
“Bought the 1000-plus during the Black Friday sale but have only been able to play with it so far. It did run the fridge, heating stove (2 fans), TV, 2 lights, satellite dish, and computer for several hours and had plenty of charge left, so I feel it will take care of my needs during an outage.” — Morg.

How Much Does It Cost to Power A TV?
The cost to run a TV depends on the TV's wattage, your local electricity rate, and how long you use it. The monthly electricity bill has the total amount you're charged and not how much each home appliance contributes to the bill. The following table reveals the cost of running a TV monthly and yearly.
To calculate the cost, find your TV's wattage from its label, then multiply by hours used and divide by 1,000 to get daily kilowatt-hours (kWh). Finally, multiply this by your electricity provider's cost per kWh to determine the daily cost.
Let's say you are using a 100W TV for 4 hours daily. The total electricity consumption will be 400Wh or 0.4 kWh daily. If the electric rate per kWh is 17.47 cents, the monthly cost to run a TV will be $2.09. Here's a table revealing the monthly and yearly cost to run the same TV for four hours every day in different US states:
|
State |
Average Electricity Rate (As of June 2025) |
Monthly Cost |
Yearly Cost |
|
California |
33.52 ¢ / kWh |
$4.02 |
$48.27 |
|
New York |
26.53 ¢ / kWh |
$3.18 |
$38.20 |
|
Texas |
15.23 ¢ / kWh |
$1.83 |
$21.93 |
|
Massachusetts |
30.37 ¢ / kWh |
$3.64 |
$43.73 |
|
Florida |
15.36 ¢ / kWh |
$1.84 |
$22.12 |
|
Virginia |
15.41 ¢ / kWh |
$1.85 |
$22.19 |
|
New Jersey |
24.88 ¢ / kWh |
$2.99 |
$35.83 |
|
Maryland |
19.33 ¢ / kWh |
$2.32 |
$27.84 |
|
Washington |
12.98 ¢ / kWh |
$1.56 |
$18.69 |
|
US Average |
17.47 ¢ / kWh |
$2.10 |
$25.16 |
Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
LEDs require more than standard direct-lit and edge-lit type LCD TVs. On the other hand, OLEDs are more power-hungry than the average LED models. The OLEDs and LEDs consume twice as much power compared to the older plasma TVs.

Not only does the power consumption of a TV scale with size, but it also gets affected by the brightness. When you raise the brightness level progressively, it leads to higher consumption and higher costs. Reducing the brightness level of the TV by 50% does not necessarily halve the energy use, as other TV parts also consume some energy.

Common Questions About TV Wattage
What size of solar generator do I need to run a TV?
The size of the solar generator required will directly depend on how many watts does a TV uses. For example, if the TV consumes 50W of power and you wish to power it using the Jackery Solar Generator, the working hours can be calculated using the Running Time Calculator available on the product page. To do so, visit the product page and scroll until you find the Running Time Calculator. Then, enter the TV wattage consumption in the box and press Enter to get the estimated running time.
Does TV use a lot of electricity?
No, modern televisions do not use a lot of electricity compared to other major appliances like air conditioners or washing machines. On average, TVs (100W) running for 4 hours consume around 114 kWh annually. Compared to other household appliances, TVs fall in the middle in terms of energy consumption.
How much electricity does a TV use when off?
A TV in standby mode typically consumes 2.25-5% of the power used when the appliance is on. Most of us believe that turning off the appliance means it won't be consuming any kind of power. However, that's not true. When you turn off the TV using the remote, your appliance starts working in standby mode. Hence, the answer to how many watts does a TV use on standby is between 0.5 and 3 watts of power.
How to reduce the TV power consumption?
There are many ways to reduce the power consumption of TV. Here are some tips:
- Do not leave the TV on when not in use, and make sure you disconnect it entirely from the power source.
- Use a surge protector or smart power strip to automatically cut power to the TV when it is not in use.
- Invest in energy-efficient TV models like the ones with Energy Star ratings.
What's the best time to run a TV?
There is no right or wrong time to run a TV. However, using appliances like TVs during off-peak hours (usually overnight) is generally more affordable.
Final Thoughts
How many watts does a TV use depends on the technology, size, and type. For instance, the newer and energy-efficient models like OLED TVs and LEDs draw less electricity compared to older Plasma and CRT models. As a general rule of thumb, the power consumption will increase when the screen size increases.
If you want to reduce the overall power consumption, you can use energy-efficient features, adjust settings, or use a portable power station. Jackery Solar Generators are reliable home battery backup solutions that can power most TV units and even other household appliances. Thus, you can reduce the overall monthly electricity bill.
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