How Many Watts Does A Circular Saw Use?

If you like DIY projects and building things in your garage or work as a carpenter, you should know the importance of having a circular saw. It can easily cut plywood sheets, slice asbestos sheets, and saw timber with precision. Any project involving wood requires the use of a circular saw. But have you ever wondered how many watts does a circular saw use? Knowing about the wattage of your power tools is not only about numbers; it can also help you reduce your electricity cost.

This article will tell you everything about circular saw wattage and how to calculate the cost of using one. Jackery provides portable power stations that use solar energy to power your tools and appliances. It helps you adopt a green lifestyle and reduce your expenses.

Products	Image	Capacity	Rated / Peak Power	Battery	Size
Solar Generator 3000 Pro		3024Wh	3000/6000W	NMC	Length= 18.6in Width= 14.1in Height= 14.7in
Solar Generator 2000 Plus		2042Wh	3000/6000W	LFP Li-Fe PO4	Length= 14.7in Width= 18.6in Height= 14.1in
Solar Generator 2000 Pro		2160Wh	2200/4400W	NMC	Length= 15.1in Width= 10.5in Height= 12.1in

Circular Saw Wattage Key Takeaways

Here are a few essential facts about circular saws and their wattage.

The average wattage of a circular saw falls within 1000 to 2400W based on its kind and model.  

To cut through the plywood and saw timber with efficiency, a corded circular saw uses a 1200W running wattage.

Using a vacuum can achieve an annual accumulation of 40-100 kWh, for example, an average of 1-2 hours each week.

To calculate the consumption of electricity, you can multiply the annual use by the local electricity tariff.

Other factors such as the size, amount of time used per day and power used in standby mode greatly affect the wattage of a circular saw. It also depends on whether you are using a corded or cordless power tool.  

How Many Watts Does A Circular Saw Use?

As circular saws come in lots of different sizes, types, and models, it is impossible to give a common energy consumption value. Here is how many watts does a circular saw use on average.  

Average Wattage of Circular Saws:

Circular saws usually have an average power output of 800 to 2500 watts. The general operating power of modern, efficient versions is roughly 1200 watts. The power and performance qualities of a saw determine its wattage. Thus, it's vital to refer to the model's specs.

Watts per Hour:

The standard metric used for the power consumption of a circular saw or any other power tool is watts. Circular saws that have 1200 watts rated power use 1200 watts of power per hour when they're running.

A circular saw with a 1200-watt power rating will use 1200Wh of energy per hour when run continuously. This is due to the fact that wattage (the measure of energy consumption rate) adds up to 1200 watt-hours or 1.2 kWh when kept constant for one hour.

Amps and Volts:

Different models and designs of circular saws have different amperage and voltage requirements. Nevertheless, in a typical case:

A circular saw will normally need 10 to 15 amps of electricity. Ten amps is a typical amperage for a regular circular saw. It is vital to refer to the specifications of the individual circular saw in the issue since this might differ.

Most circular saws have a standard voltage of 120 volts. Keeping that in mind, 10 amps at 120 volts is the average rating.

Starting/Running Watts:

Similar to other power tools, circular saws have different starting and running watts. Running watts may be approximately 1200 watts, which brings out the question: how many start-up watts does a circular saw use? While starting watts are generally 1500 to 2000 watts. If utilizing the saw with a generator or power source with restricted beginning capacity, both settings must be considered.

Calculating Wattage Usage:

To calculate wattage usage, you must know the power factors for AC tools. If it's battery-powered, know its capacity and Voltage. A "watt" measures power. How can we quantify this?

Electronic device power equals Voltage × Current (P=V × I).

AC-powered devices

The formula for power is P = V × I × PF.

Battery-powered devices

Power equals Capacity x Voltage (P=V x I).

This is the basic watt calculation for electronics.

The power factor is PF = kW / kVA, the ratio of actual power to perceived power. You need technical skills to measure the power factor. I suggest a power factor of 0.85. It varies by device.

AC-DC Conversion:

Most saw motors utilize DC motors because they are cheaper and simpler to regulate. Converting AC to DC wastes power. Therefore, the circular saw-watt calculation should utilize a 0.95 power factor.

Example 01: AC-powered corded circular saws

How many watts does the corded circular saw use when the power factor is 0.85, the phase current is 4A, and the RMS voltage supply is 110V?

P = 0.85 × 4A × 110V = 374W

Example 02: How many watts does a 24V cordless circular saw use?

When the cordless circular saw has 4 Amp and 24V, here are how many watts it uses.

P = 24 × 4 = 96W

How Many Do Different Circular Saws Use?

Types of Circular Saws and Their Usage:

Sidewinder or Worm Drive: Circular saws with a sidewinder (or "worm drive") are great for a variety of jobs. The engine is mounted to the side, which allows for a more minimalist appearance.

Hypoid Circular Saws: Saws using a hypoid gear system are comparable to worm drive saws but use a different kind of gear. These are very useful in building and carpentry for jobs requiring a lot of physical exertion.

Compact Circular Saws: The circular saws that are compact are smaller and lighter, making them simpler to move in confined areas. Works well for DIY tasks and projects.

Corded and Cordless Circular Saws: Corded or cordless circular saws have their advantages and disadvantages based on the user's needs. Having corded saws is best if you want a heavy-duty tool and need constant power, but it will restrict your movement due to the power cable. At the same time, cordless saws are more portable but rely on battery life.

Here is a comparison table to help you figure out the standard starting and running wattage of different circular saws.

How Much Does It Cost to Run A Circular Saw?

How many watts does a circular saw use? Knowing the cost of circular saw power is helpful whenever we use one. In the US, the average cost of a kilowatt per hour is 10.66 cents. Now, we can calculate the amount of money you'll need to pay for energy because of the circular saw.

Consider the following scenario: two hours of weekly usage of a circular saw is required. In other words, you may expect to spend this much on a circular saw after eight hours of work.

 Jackery Solar Generators for Circular Saws

The Jackery Solar Generators with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries can power tools like circular saws at your home, work, or remote location with solar energy. The Jackery Solar Generator delivers clean, portable electricity for off-grid applications. The generator gets charged using standard outlets or by gathering solar energy with its attached panels. Its built-in battery allows it to power gadgets like circular saws on demand.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

Capacity: 3024Wh | Rated Power: 3000W | Peak Power: 6000W

Battery: Lithium-ion | Size: (18.6 x 14.1 x 14.7) in | Lifespan: 2000 cycles

Charging: Solar, AC, and car | Features: LCD display, multiple outlets, advanced safety, expandable battery | Customer Reviews: Rave reviews highlight its unwavering reliability and multi-functionality.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus:

Capacity: 2042Wh | Rated Power: 3000W | Peak Power: 6000W

Battery: Li-Fe PO4 | Size: (14.7 x 18.6 x 14.1)in | Lifespan: 4000 cycles

Charging: Solar, AC, and car | Features: Lightweight, silent operation, integrated handle | Customer Reviews: Users applaud its exceptional efficiency and user-friendly design.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro:

Capacity: 2160Wh | Rated Power: 2200W | Peak Power: 4400W

Battery: Lithium-ion | Size: (15.1 x 10.5 x 12.1) in | Lifespan: 1000 cycles

Charging: Solar, AC, and car | Features: User-friendly interface, surge protection, versatile ports | Customer Reviews: Commendations pour in for its robust durability and versatile functionality.

How to Reduce A Circular Saw Electrical Usage?

Knowing how many watts does a circular saw use, is the first step. Next, it takes strategic selection and adequate maintenance to reduce circular saw electricity usage:

Energy-Efficient Circular Saw:

Choose contemporary, energy-efficient saws with various speeds. Choose models with high power-to-weight ratios for efficiency.

Material-Appropriate Blade:

Select blades for particular materials to reduce saw strain. The right blade decreases resistance, improving efficiency.

Sharpen and Clean Saw Blade Regularly:

Saw blades should be sharpened and cleaned regularly. Sharp blades cut more effectively, using less power. Blades that are clean reduce friction and heat.

Ideal Cutting Speed:

Cut at the manufacturer's recommended speed. Operating within the range reduces motor stress and boosts energy efficiency.

Have Enough Teeth:

Work with blades with the right number of teeth. More teeth reduce saw motor strain and save energy by smoothing cuts in certain materials.

Circular Saw Wattage FAQs

How big of a generator do I need for a circular saw?

It depends on the circular saw you are using. As the standard wattage of circular saws is 1000 to 2400 watts, using a 2000 or 3000 watts generator that can provide a peak of 4000W electricity to start power tools is the ideal choice. For that, using Jackery solar generator 3000 Pro, 2000 Pro, or 2000 Plus is the best. Here is how you can calculate how long you can run your circular saw with Jackery portable generators.   

Working Hours = (Battery Capacity in WH) × 0.85 / (Device Power Consumption in W)

How many watts does a table saw use?

The table saw wattage also depends on its make and model. However, standard table saws use 1200 to 2400 watts. It is not any different from a circular saw, as the working of both tools is quite similar.

Will a 3000-watt generator run a skill saw?

Yes, the Jackery solar generator 3000 pro with a 3024Wh capacity can easily run a skill saw as it can also provide 6000W peak power if the power tool needs it.

Does a saw use a lot of electricity?

When you compare the electricity usage of a saw to other home appliances, it feels a lot; however, compared to other power tools, it is moderate. Unlike home appliances, you don't need to use a saw 24 hours a day, so it doesn't add much to the electricity bill.

Should I choose a cordless circular saw?

Choosing the type of circular saw depends on your work requirements. If you want one for home use and for DIY projects, a cordless circular saw is the best pick. However, it is not ideal if you work as a carpenter and need heavy-duty equipment.

Final Thoughts

Let’s conclude our guide on how many watts does a circular saw use. Although a circular saw uses moderate electricity compared to some other power tools, it can still add a lot to your monthly electricity bill if you don't plan its usage. If you like DIY projects that require plywood sheets and timber, getting a solar generator is your only option to keep your electricity bill from rising. Jackery solar generators provide green energy to run your power tools without worrying about electricity bills. Get a Jackery solar generator and work on as many DIY projects as you want.