When it comes to electricity, there are a number of terms that are used on appliances and hardware (lightbulbs in particular) – more specifically watts and volts. While you may frequently see these units displayed on packaging, not everyone knows what they mean or how they work. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the differences between watts vs. volts and how they work. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Watts?

Power in the form of electricity is measured in watts (W). Wattage refers to the amount or power of an electrical current passing through the device being used. Simply put, it describes how much energy it takes for a device to function. Small devices often have a lower wattage than household appliances. For example, turning on a lightbulb typically takes between 40W and 70W, whereas a clothes dryer can use from 1,000W up to 4,000W.

Tip!

For more information on watts, read our guide What Are Watts? Electricity Explained.

What Are Volts?

Volts (V) measure the speed in which electrons pass through a given point within the electric circuit. Power from the electrical grid is delivered to homes in two voltages: 120 volts and 240 volts. Most household items like lightbulbs are 120-volt, while larger appliances like dryers are typically 240-volt. For battery-operated tools, higher voltage often means a higher capacity and longer battery life between charges.

Watts vs. Volts

What's the Difference Between Watts vs. Volts?

Watts and volts cannot be separated from one another. This is because watts are a product of the combination of volts and amps (V x A = W).
Watts measure the amount of energy being used over a certain period. Volts are used to calculate the electric potential within a circuit. Wattage indicates the rate at which electricity is used or transferred, while voltage offers insight into an electrical system's power supply potential difference.

Both of these measurements are essential to understanding electricity. This is why you need to take both watts and volts into consideration in order to accurately understand what occurs when you use this source of energy. Using a lightbulb as an example, the lightbulb might use 60W and be plugged into a 120-volt outlet.

How many watts in a volt?

One volt equals 0.001 kilowatts (kW) or 1000 watts per hour.

Does higher wattage equal more power?

Appliances with a higher wattage have the capacity to provide more heat and power than those with lower wattages. This also means these higher wattage appliances will use more energy than their lower wattage counterparts. For example, a 1,000W microwave will use more energy and heat faster than a 600W microwave.

Now you have a better understanding of watts vs. volts, you will be able to more accurately measure electrical usage in your home.

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