Laptop in use
The electrical power consumed by a laptop computer while in active use.
How big is it?
50 W · power
Power · example
A little perspective
Laptop in use vs Human mechanical output: power comparison
Human mechanical output is about 2 times the power of a laptop in use.
ENERGY EACH SECOND
The sustained rate at which a person can perform mechanical work, such as cycling or lifting.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Laptop in use
Power: 50 W; example.
A chosen 50 W electrical draw. Workload affects actual consumption.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked power is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Human mechanical output
Power: 100 W; example.
A chosen 100 W sustained mechanical output, not total metabolic power.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked power is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 50 W
We compare the power of a laptop in use. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
A chosen 50 W electrical draw. Workload affects actual consumption.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 W | Not recorded | example |
Around this scale
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Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
PowerLED bulb9 WThe electrical power drawn by a light-emitting diode lamp used for illumination.
PowerElectric kettle3 kWThe electrical power used by an electric kettle to heat water.
PowerWind turbine5 MWThe rated electrical power output of a wind-driven generator.
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
PowerHuman mechanical output100 WThe sustained rate at which a person can perform mechanical work, such as cycling or lifting.
PowerMicrowave input1.2 kWThe electrical power supplied to a microwave oven for heating food.
PowerSmartphone active electrical draw3 WSmartphone active electrical draw is the electrical power consumed by a smartphone during active use, including display, processing and wireless communication.
PowerIndicator LED50 mWThe electrical power used by a small light-emitting diode that indicates device status.