A typical laptop uses about 30-60 watts while plugged in and charging, roughly 50 W. Light ultrabooks and Chromebooks can use 15-30 W, while gaming laptops can draw 150-200 W or more.
- Running watts
- 50 WTypical; 15–200 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 0.3 kWh6 h of use
- Current
- 0.4 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most laptop models draw between 15 and 200 W while running; a typical one draws about 50 W. 50 W x 6 h/day while plugged in; most use is well below the charger's rating, so this is conservative.
- Charger rating sets the maximum (often 30-100 W; gaming laptops 180-330 W)
- Charging a flat battery while working uses the most
- Screen brightness and workload
- Dedicated graphics in gaming or creator laptops
Running a laptop on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 50 running watts. A generator rated 1,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 50 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 8.5 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 17 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 34 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 51 h |
Based on 50 W average draw and 85% usable capacity.
- One of the easiest loads to back up; many power stations can charge it directly from USB-C PD
- A 300 Wh power station can recharge a typical laptop several times
- Charging over USB-C or a DC car adapter avoids inverter losses
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
How many watts does a laptop charger use?
Its label shows the maximum, often 45-100 W, but actual draw is usually lower and falls off once the battery is full.
Can I charge a laptop from a portable power station?
Yes. Use the AC outlet, or the USB-C PD port if the station's USB-C output matches the laptop's charger wattage.