How do you calculate energy cost per batch?

Multiply the connected load (kW) by batch runtime (hr) to get kWh, multiply by your blended energy rate to get total batch cost, then divide by finished output. The result is energy cost per finished pound.

What is a good energy cost per pound for roasting?

It varies widely by fuel, profile, and equipment, but the value matters most as a trend. Track it per SKU and per machine; a sudden rise signals a worn burner, poor insulation, or an inefficient profile rather than a fixed target you must hit.

Should I use connected load or actual power draw?

Actual average draw. Connected load is the nameplate maximum; roasters and dryers modulate, so a duty-cycle-adjusted or metered figure gives a true per-pound energy cost instead of an inflated worst case.

How does roast profile affect energy per pound?

A longer or hotter profile burns more kWh per batch for the same output, raising cost per pound. Comparing a fast high-charge roast against a slow development on this metric quantifies the energy trade-off of each cup profile.

Why divide by finished output instead of charged weight?

Because you sell finished pounds, not green pounds. Roast loss means finished output is lower than charged weight, so dividing by finished output correctly assigns the full batch energy to the product you actually ship.

Energy per batch vs energy per pound — which do I report?

Per pound for comparing SKUs, machines, and profiles on equal footing; per batch for scheduling and daily utility budgeting. This calculator gives you the per-pound figure, which is the one that belongs in product costing.

Coffee, Tea, Roasting & Dry Goods Processing calculator

Energy Per Batch Calculator

Energy per batch converts a roaster or dryer's power draw and run time into an energy cost per finished pound — the utility slice of your conversion cost that rises every time fuel or electricity prices move. Plant engineers and cost accountants use it to benchmark equipment, justify burner or insulation upgrades, and load energy correctly into product costing instead of smearing it across overhead. Because it lands on a per-pound basis, it lets you compare a fast hot roast against a slow profile, or a gas roaster against an electric dryer, on equal footing. On energy-intensive thermal processing, this is often the second-largest conversion cost after the raw commodity itself.

What this calculator does

Estimate roasting or drying energy cost per finished pound from connected load, batch runtime, energy rate, and finished output.
estimating utility cost for roasting, drying, grinding, or processing batches
It computes total batch energy cost from connected load, runtime, and the blended energy rate, then divides by finished output to give energy cost per finished pound.

Formula used

Total energy per batch = roaster or dryer connected load × batch runtime × blended energy rate
Energy Per Batch per finished pound = total energy cost ÷ finished batch output

Inputs explained

Roaster or dryer connected load:
Batch runtime:
Blended energy rate:
Finished batch output:

How to use the result

Use it when costing a roast or drying profile, evaluating an efficiency upgrade, or comparing energy intensity across equipment and SKUs.
Connected load is not the same as actual average draw — roasters modulate during a roast — so use a measured or duty-cycle-adjusted load, otherwise the per-pound cost will be overstated.

Current U.S. benchmarks

As of Apr 2026, industrial electricity averages 8.7 cents per kWh across the U.S. (EIA), up 5.5% from a year earlier. State averages range widely, so plants should confirm against their own tariff.

Common questions

How do you calculate energy cost per batch? Multiply the connected load (kW) by batch runtime (hr) to get kWh, multiply by your blended energy rate to get total batch cost, then divide by finished output. The result is energy cost per finished pound.
What is a good energy cost per pound for roasting? It varies widely by fuel, profile, and equipment, but the value matters most as a trend. Track it per SKU and per machine; a sudden rise signals a worn burner, poor insulation, or an inefficient profile rather than a fixed target you must hit.
Should I use connected load or actual power draw? Actual average draw. Connected load is the nameplate maximum; roasters and dryers modulate, so a duty-cycle-adjusted or metered figure gives a true per-pound energy cost instead of an inflated worst case.
How does roast profile affect energy per pound? A longer or hotter profile burns more kWh per batch for the same output, raising cost per pound. Comparing a fast high-charge roast against a slow development on this metric quantifies the energy trade-off of each cup profile.
Why divide by finished output instead of charged weight? Because you sell finished pounds, not green pounds. Roast loss means finished output is lower than charged weight, so dividing by finished output correctly assigns the full batch energy to the product you actually ship.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.