How Many Watts Does an Electric Blanket Use?
ZacharyWilliamElectric blankets are a cozy way to stay warm on cold nights without cranking up the thermostat. But if you are watching your energy bill or planning to run an electric blanket from a portable power station, the first question is simple: how many watts does it actually use?
Short answer: Most modern electric blankets use roughly 50–150 watts, depending on size and heat setting. Smaller twin-size or throw blankets are usually at the lower end (about 50–70W), while queen and king blankets often sit in the 80–150W range. Some high-heat or extra-large models can reach up to 200W.
- Quick Answer: Typical Electric Blanket Wattage
- Electric Blanket Wattage by Size and Type
- How to Find Your Electric Blanket’s Wattage
- How Much Electricity Does an Electric Blanket Use?
- Electric Blanket vs. Space Heater: Wattage Comparison
- Using an Electric Blanket with a UDPOWER Portable Power Station
- Safety and Best Practices
- FAQs About Electric Blanket Wattage
1. Quick Answer: Typical Electric Blanket Wattage
While every brand and model is a little different, you can use these ballpark ranges as a guide:
- Electric throws: often around 50–100W
- Twin-size blankets: typically about 50–70W
- Full/queen blankets: often 80–100W
- King blankets: commonly 100–150W
- 12V travel blankets (for cars): usually around 40–60W
These numbers usually represent the maximum wattage at the highest heat setting. On lower settings, the controller will draw less power, so real-world average consumption can be noticeably lower over the night.
2. Electric Blanket Wattage by Size and Type
Manufacturers design electric blankets to balance comfort and efficiency. Bigger bed sizes need more power to keep the whole surface warm, so wattage scales up with blanket size.
| Type | Typical Size | Example Wattage Range (W) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric throw | Lap / couch use | 50–100 | Smaller area; meant for one person on a sofa or chair. |
| Twin-size blanket | Single bed | 50–70 | Most energy-efficient full-bed option; good for solo sleepers. |
| Full / queen blanket | Double bed | 80–100 | Designed to keep two people warm; sometimes dual-zone controls. |
| King blanket | King bed | 100–150 | Larger surface and often dual controllers; higher peak wattage. |
| 12V travel blanket | Car / RV use | 40–60 | Optimized for vehicle 12V outlets; lower wattage to protect the battery. |
Actual wattage depends on the specific product. Always rely on the label or manual for the exact rating of your blanket.
3. How to Find Your Electric Blanket’s Wattage
You do not have to guess. Your electric blanket’s exact wattage should be listed in at least one of these places:
- Product tag: A small fabric tag near the corner of the blanket may show voltage (V), watts (W), and safety information.
- Controller or power brick: Many controllers list their input and output ratings, including watts.
- User manual or product listing: Online product pages and manuals almost always include the wattage in the specifications.
If you only see amps and volts:
Use this simple formula to estimate watts: Watts (W) = Volts (V) × Amps (A)
For example, if the controller reads 120V 0.8A, then: 120 × 0.8 = 96W.
Keep in mind that many controllers use pulse-width modulation. That means the blanket cycles on and off to maintain temperature, so the average wattage over the night can be lower than the nameplate value, especially on low and medium settings.
4. How Much Electricity Does an Electric Blanket Use?
Once you know your blanket’s wattage, you can estimate how much electricity it uses and what it costs to run.
Basic energy and cost formula:
Energy used (kWh) = (Watts ÷ 1000) × Hours usedCost = Energy used (kWh) × Electricity rate ($/kWh)
To keep the math simple, let’s assume:
- Electricity price: $0.18 per kWh (close to the current U.S. average).
- Usage: 8 hours per night during colder months.
| Blanket Wattage (W) | Hours per Night | Energy per Night (kWh) | Cost per Night | Cost per Month (30 nights) | Cost per Year (365 nights) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40W | 4 | 0.16 | $0.03 | $0.86 | $10.51 |
| 40W | 6 | 0.24 | $0.04 | $1.30 | $15.77 |
| 40W | 8 | 0.32 | $0.06 | $1.73 | $21.02 |
| 40W | 10 | 0.40 | $0.07 | $2.16 | $26.28 |
| 60W | 4 | 0.24 | $0.04 | $1.30 | $15.77 |
| 60W | 6 | 0.36 | $0.06 | $1.94 | $23.65 |
| 60W | 8 | 0.48 | $0.09 | $2.59 | $31.54 |
| 60W | 10 | 0.60 | $0.11 | $3.24 | $39.42 |
| 80W | 4 | 0.32 | $0.06 | $1.73 | $21.02 |
| 80W | 6 | 0.48 | $0.09 | $2.59 | $31.54 |
| 80W | 8 | 0.64 | $0.12 | $3.46 | $42.05 |
| 80W | 10 | 0.80 | $0.14 | $4.32 | $52.56 |
| 100W | 4 | 0.40 | $0.07 | $2.16 | $26.28 |
| 100W | 6 | 0.60 | $0.11 | $3.24 | $39.42 |
| 100W | 8 | 0.80 | $0.14 | $4.32 | $52.56 |
| 100W | 10 | 1.00 | $0.18 | $5.40 | $65.70 |
| 120W | 4 | 0.48 | $0.09 | $2.59 | $31.54 |
| 120W | 6 | 0.72 | $0.13 | $3.89 | $47.30 |
| 120W | 8 | 0.96 | $0.17 | $5.18 | $63.07 |
| 120W | 10 | 1.20 | $0.22 | $6.48 | $78.84 |
| 150W | 4 | 0.60 | $0.11 | $3.24 | $39.42 |
| 150W | 6 | 0.90 | $0.16 | $4.86 | $59.13 |
| 150W | 8 | 1.20 | $0.22 | $6.48 | $78.84 |
| 150W | 10 | 1.50 | $0.27 | $8.10 | $98.55 |
| 200W | 4 | 0.80 | $0.14 | $4.32 | $52.56 |
| 200W | 6 | 1.20 | $0.22 | $6.48 | $78.84 |
| 200W | 8 | 1.60 | $0.29 | $8.64 | $105.12 |
| 200W | 10 | 2.00 | $0.36 | $10.80 | $131.40 |
All estimates assume a flat electricity rate of $0.18/kWh and continuous operation at the listed wattage. Real usage can be lower if your blanket cycles on and off or you use lower heat settings.
If your local electricity rate is higher or lower, just plug your own number into the formula above. The method is the same whether you are paying 12¢/kWh or 25¢/kWh.
5. Electric Blanket vs. Space Heater: Wattage Comparison
Many people choose between an electric blanket and a plug-in space heater when they just want to heat themselves, not the whole house. Here is how the wattage usually compares:
- Electric blanket: roughly 60–150W
- Typical space heater: about 1,500W (10× to 20× more)
Using the same $0.18/kWh example:
- A 100W blanket costs about 1.8¢ per hour or roughly $0.14 for 8 hours.
- A 1,500W space heater costs about 27¢ per hour or roughly $2.16 for 8 hours.
That means a space heater can cost about 15 times more to run overnight than a 100W electric blanket. For localized warmth (like in bed or on the couch), an electric blanket is usually the more energy-efficient choice.
6. Using an Electric Blanket with a UDPOWER Portable Power Station
Electric blankets pair extremely well with battery power. Because they draw relatively low wattage, you can stay warm for hours from a compact portable power station, which is useful during outages, camping, vanlife, or in cabins without reliable grid power.
UDPOWER’s LiFePO₄ portable power stations are designed for quiet overnight use and thousands of cycles. Here’s how long they can theoretically power a 60W or 100W electric blanket, using battery capacities from UDPOWER’s official specs and ignoring inverter losses:
| Model | Capacity (Wh) | Rated Output | Approx. Runtime @ 60W | Approx. Runtime @ 100W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C200 | 192Wh | 200W pure sine wave | ≈ 3.2 hours | ≈ 1.9 hours |
| C400 | 256Wh | 400W output | ≈ 4.3 hours | ≈ 2.6 hours |
| C600 | 596Wh | 600W output | ≈ 9.9 hours | ≈ 6.0 hours |
| S1200 | 1,190Wh | 1,200W rated (up to 1,800W surge) | ≈ 19.8 hours | ≈ 11.9 hours |
Real-world runtimes will be somewhat lower (typically 10–20%) after accounting for inverter and conversion losses, ambient temperature, and whether you power anything else alongside the blanket.
With a 192Wh LiFePO₄ battery and 200W pure sine wave AC, the C200 is ideal for powering a small 60–70W throw or twin electric blanket for a few hours on the go. Great for car-camping, tent camping, or short outages where you only need targeted warmth.
The C400 (256Wh, 400W) and C600 (596Wh, 600W) offer longer runtimes and support more devices. They can keep one or two electric blankets running overnight at low or medium settings while also powering phones, lights, or a router.
View UDPOWER C400
View UDPOWER C600
The S1200 packs about 1,190Wh of LiFePO₄ capacity and a 1,200W inverter with UPS capability. It can keep an electric blanket running all night for multiple nights, while also supporting Wi-Fi, laptops, and other essentials during outages or in off-grid setups.
Tip: when sizing a portable power station for your blanket, add up wattage for all devices you plan to run (blanket, lights, phone chargers, etc.) and keep the continuous load under about 70–80% of the station’s rated output for best results.
7. Safety and Best Practices
Electric blankets are generally safe when used correctly, but it is important to follow manufacturer guidelines:
- Always read and follow the user manual for your specific model.
- Do not fold, bunch, or tuck the blanket too tightly; this can cause hot spots.
- Avoid placing heavy items on top of the blanket while it is on.
- Check regularly for damage to the fabric, wiring, or controller.
- Most experts recommend replacing older electric blankets (especially over 10 years old).
- For people with reduced sensation (for example, some diabetics), talk to a doctor before using high heat settings to avoid accidental overheating.
- When using a portable power station, make sure your blanket’s wattage and plug type are within the station’s AC output rating (UDPOWER units use pure sine wave AC, which is friendly to sensitive electronics and heating pads).
8. FAQs About Electric Blanket Wattage
Does an electric blanket use a lot of electricity?
Compared with big appliances or space heaters, an electric blanket uses very little electricity. Many models fall between 60–150W, which is a fraction of the 1,500W drawn by a typical space heater. Used smartly, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay warm.
How many amps does an electric blanket draw?
You can estimate amps using Amps = Watts ÷ Volts. On a 120V circuit:
- 60W blanket → about 0.5 amps
- 100W blanket → about 0.8 amps
- 150W blanket → about 1.25 amps
That’s a very small load for a typical household circuit.
Can I run multiple electric blankets on one portable power station?
It depends on the station’s output rating and capacity. For example, a UDPOWER S1200 can easily handle two 100W blankets (200W total) plus some small devices, while a compact C200 might be better suited for a single 60–70W blanket. Always add up the total watts and compare against the station’s continuous output limit.
Is it cheaper to use an electric blanket than central heating?
For keeping just one person or one bed warm, yes, it is usually much cheaper. A 100W blanket used for 8 hours might cost only a few cents per night. Heating the entire house with a furnace or central system costs much more, though it may still be the right choice for whole home comfort.
How can I reduce the energy my electric blanket uses?
Use the lowest comfortable setting, preheat the bed and then turn the blanket down or off, combine it with warm bedding, and make sure your room is not excessively cold. If you are using a portable power station, these habits will also stretch your battery runtime significantly.
Understanding how many watts your electric blanket uses makes it easy to estimate cost, choose the right portable power solution, and stay comfortable through the cold season without surprises on your electric bill.
