How Many Watts Does a TV Use?

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Curious about how many watts your TV consumes? The answer is simple: most TVs use between 15 and 500 watts, depending on their size, type (CRT, LCD, LED, OLED, or plasma), and settings.
Calculate wattage with this formula: Watts = Volts × Amps.
For instance, a TV drawing 1A at a 120V outlet uses 120V × 1A = 120W. Typical ranges include CRT TVs at ~120W, plasma TVs up to 500W, OLED TVs at 60–75W, LCD TVs at 70–200W, and LED TVs at 50–100W, though exact usage varies by model and size.
For portable or backup power, an Ampace power station is a reliable, lightweight solution to keep your TV running. Whether you are having an outdoor party to watch a movie or need electricity during a power outage, the Ampace power station can support most TV types for several hours and is perfect for home or off-grid use.
How many Watts does a TV use (TV Wattage)?
The electricity a TV consumes depends on its size, type, and how it’s used. Here’s how different TV technologies compare:
- CRT TVs: These older, bulky tube TVs use cathode-ray technology, consuming significant power, especially in larger sizes. They’re now rare due to inefficiency.
- LED TVs: Use light-emitting diode backlighting, making them energy-efficient with lower wattage.
- LCD TVs: Rely on liquid crystal displays; they consume slightly more power than LEDs but are still relatively efficient.
- OLED TVs: Offer superior color and contrast with organic light-emitting diodes, but they use more power than LEDs or LCDs.
- Plasma TVs: Known for high power consumption, especially in larger sizes; these are less common today due to their inefficiency.
TV Type |
Size |
Wattage usage |
Amperes (120V) |
CRT TVs |
21 inches |
50–100W |
0.42–0.83A |
LCD TVs |
32 inches |
50–85W |
0.42–0.71A |
LCD TVs |
50 inches |
90–150W |
0.75–1.25A |
LED TVs |
32 inches |
30–50W |
0.25–0.42A |
LED TVs |
50 inches |
60–100W |
0.50–0.83A |
OLED TVs |
65 inches |
100–200W |
0.83–1.67A |
Plasma TVs |
80 inches |
200–500W |
1.67–4.17A |
How Is TV Wattage Calculated?
TV wattage is usually listed in the product’s technical specifications, found in the user manual or on the label. If unavailable, you can estimate it by:
- Using a Power Meter: Plug the TV into a power meter to measure real-time consumption.
- Checking Rated Power: Look for the wattage (W) rating, which indicates power use under normal conditions.
Tips to Reduce TV Power Consumption
Here are practical ways to lower your TV’s electricity use:
-
Lower Brightness: Reducing screen brightness significantly cuts power consumption, often by 10–30%, depending on the TV type and settings.
-
Enable Energy-Saving Mode: Most TVs have an energy-saving mode that optimizes brightness, contrast, and other settings for efficiency, reducing overall wattage.
-
Turn Off Extra Features: Disable quick-start, automatic updates, or unused smart features to minimize standby power, which can range from 0.5 to 5 watts.
-
Use a Solar Charging Station: Power your TV with a solar charging station to reduce reliance on grid electricity, saving energy and supporting eco-friendly viewing, especially for off-grid or outdoor use.

Ampace Andes 1500 and 600 Pro Run Times for TVs
The ampace portable power station, which can power almost all electrical appliances, can charge televisions and even high-power-consuming appliances for a long time. For users who watch TV for a long time, it can replace the power supply from the power grid and save you electricity costs. The following two portable power stations are the best tools for you to use your TV off-grid, Andes 1500 (1462Wh) and Andes 600 Pro (584Wh).
TV Type |
Wattage usage |
Andes 1500 (1462Wh) Run Time |
Andes 600 Pro (584Wh) Run Time |
CRT TVs |
120W |
~12.2 hours |
~4.9 hours |
LCD TVs |
150W |
~9.7 hours |
~3.9 hours |
LED TVs |
100W |
~14.6 hours |
~5.8 hours |
OLED TVs |
200W |
~7.3 hours |
~2.9 hours |
Plasma TVs |
500W |
~2.9 hours |
~1.2 hours |
Ampace Andes 1500 Solar Generator
The Ampace Andes 1500 delivers 2400W of pure sine wave AC output (surge up to 3600W). It is a large capacity solar generator capable of powering most household appliances including televisions. It consists of a portable power station with a capacity of 1462wh and solar panels. Supports up to 600W solar panel input, allowing charging during camping, RV travel or off-grid.
The Ampace Solar Generator Andes 1500. weighing in at 36.8 lbs, is 41% lighter than conventional 2kWh LiFePo4 portable power stations. with A-Boost technology, reaching full capacity in just 55 minutes—50% faster than competing models.
Ampace Andes 600 Pro Solar Generator
The other impressive Andes 600 Pro is a more lightweight solar generator for most users. It consists of a 584 Wh-capacity portable power station and solar panels. Achieve an impressive 0 to 80% charge in just 1 hour with Ampace's cutting-edge A-Boost technology. Embrace sustainable energy by fully recharging with solar power—using a 200W solar panel, you can replenish your power station in 3 to 5 hours.
Experience the efficiency of A-Turbo technology, capable of powering up to 80% of your appliances with up to 1800W output. Featuring 9 versatile outlets, including 600W AC outlets and USB-C ports, you can charge or run all your devices simultaneously complete peace of mind.
TV Wattage FAQs
How many watts does a TV take?
The wattage a television consumes varies widely, ranging from 15 to 500 watts, depending on its type, size, and settings. For example, a 32-inch LED TV typically uses 30–50 watts, while a 50-inch plasma TV can draw up to 300 watts. Factors like brightness, volume, and smart features also affect the watts a television uses.
How can I find my TV’s wattage?
Check the user manual or the label on your TV for its rated wattage. Alternatively, use a power meter to measure the exact watts your television consumes during operation. This helps you estimate energy costs or plan for backup power with an Ampace power station.
Can an Ampace power station run my TV?
Yes, an Ampace power station, like the Andes 1500 or 600 Pro, can power most TVs. For example, a 100-watt television can run for ~5.8 hours on the Andes 600 Pro (584Wh) or ~14.6 hours on the Andes 1500 (1462Wh), making them ideal for outages or outdoor use.
How can I reduce the watts my television uses?
Lower the screen brightness, enable energy-saving mode, and turn off features like quick-start or automatic updates. Choosing a smaller, energy-efficient LED TV can also reduce the watts your television consumes, saving energy and extending run time on an Ampace power station.
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