Appliance Amperage
How Many Amps Does a Microwave Use?
The running amps a microwave draws, the watts-to-amps math behind it, and the branch circuit it is typically put on, with what the code permits.
Will a microwave Run on Your Circuit?
Microwave Amps by Size
| Microwave | Typical Watts | Volts | Running Amps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 700 W (input ~1000 W) | 1,000 W | 120V | 8.3 A |
| 900 W (input ~1300 W) | 1,300 W | 120V | 10.8 A |
| 1000 W (input ~1450 W) | 1,450 W | 120V | 12.1 A |
| 1200 W (input ~1700 W) | 1,700 W | 120V | 14.2 A |
Representative running values, not code data; the nameplate always governs.
Microwave Circuit
| Typical watts | 1,200 W |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Running amps | 10 A |
| Startup surge | No |
| Typical circuit | 20A / 120V dedicated |
A microwave's advertised rating (700-1200 W) is its cooking (output) power, not the power it pulls from the wall: input is roughly 1.4x the cooking rating. This page's 1,200 W figure is the input (draw) wattage, about 10 amps; a microwave sold as '1000 W' refers to cooking power, which needs about 1,450 W input and draws about 12 amps. A built-in or over-the-range unit should be on its own dedicated 20A circuit; a countertop unit can share a 20A small-appliance circuit if nothing large is on it. Amps = watts / volts; a continuous load (3 hours or more) may use at most 80% of the breaker, the same rule as rating the breaker at 125% of it (NEC 210.20(A)). The nameplate lists the exact draw and always governs over a typical value.
Adding this on a new circuit? Check whether your panel can handle it (the NEC 220.87 service check), or size the breaker for the load.
Compute Your Unit's Exact Amps
Read the watts off the nameplate and enter them below to get the exact running amps at 120V or 240V, with power factor for motor loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps does a microwave use?
A microwave uses about 10 running amps at 120 volts (roughly 1,200 watts). To get your unit's exact draw, divide the nameplate watts by 120: amps = watts / volts. A microwave's advertised rating (700-1200 W) is its cooking (output) power, not the power it pulls from the wall: input is roughly 1.4x the cooking rating. This page's 1,200 W figure is the input (draw) wattage, about 10 amps; a microwave sold as '1000 W' refers to cooking power, which needs about 1,450 W input and draws about 12 amps. A built-in or over-the-range unit should be on its own dedicated 20A circuit; a countertop unit can share a 20A small-appliance circuit if nothing large is on it.
What size breaker for a microwave?
A microwave is typically put on a dedicated 20A / 120V circuit. A countertop unit may plug into one of the kitchen's 20A small-appliance circuits (NEC 210.52(B)(1)); a built-in or over-the-range unit follows its installation instructions, which NEC 110.3(B) makes binding, and a dedicated 20A circuit is the common choice for it. At 10 running amps it is within the 20A rating of that circuit (NEC 210.22).
How do I calculate the amps a microwave draws?
Divide the wattage on the nameplate by the voltage: amps = watts / volts. A microwave at about 1,200 watts on 120V works out to 1,200 / 120 = 10 amps. The nameplate always governs over a typical value.
Does the size of a microwave change the amps?
Yes. A 700 W (input ~1000 W) draws about 8.3 amps, while a 1200 W (input ~1700 W) draws about 14.2 amps. See the table above for the range. The rating on the nameplate is the number to size the circuit to.
How many amps does a built-in microwave use?
Same answer: built-in microwave is another name for a microwave. It draws about 10 amps at 120V, typically on a dedicated 20A / 120V circuit. A microwave's advertised rating (700-1200 W) is its cooking (output) power, not the power it pulls from the wall: input is roughly 1.4x the cooking rating. This page's 1,200 W figure is the input (draw) wattage, about 10 amps; a microwave sold as '1000 W' refers to cooking power, which needs about 1,450 W input and draws about 12 amps. A built-in or over-the-range unit should be on its own dedicated 20A circuit; a countertop unit can share a 20A small-appliance circuit if nothing large is on it.
How Many Amps Do Other Appliances Use?
TV
About 0.8 A at 120V.
Refrigerator
About 5.8 A at 120V.
Freezer
About 4.2 A at 120V.
Mini Fridge
About 0.8 A at 120V.
Coffee Maker
About 10 A at 120V.
Window Air Conditioner
About 10 A at 120V.
Space Heater
About 12.5 A at 120V.
Washing Machine
About 8.3 A at 120V.
Dishwasher
About 11.7 A at 120V.
Garbage Disposal
About 6.7 A at 120V.
Dehumidifier
About 4.2 A at 120V.
Sump Pump
About 6.7 A at 120V.
Hair Dryer
About 12.5 A at 120V.
Toaster
About 9.2 A at 120V.
Electric Water Heater
About 18.8 A at 240V.
Box Fan
About 0.8 A at 120V.
Air Fryer
About 12.5 A at 120V.
Vacuum Cleaner
About 8.3 A at 120V.
PS5
About 1.7 A at 120V.
Xbox Series X
About 1.3 A at 120V.
Gaming PC
About 4.2 A at 120V.
Watts to Amps Calculator
Convert any wattage to amps at 120V or 240V.
Wire & Breaker for Appliances
The exact wire gauge and breaker for hardwired appliance circuits.