What Size Space Heater Do I Need?

What wattage do you actually need?

Quick Answer

The standard guideline is 10 watts per square foot with 8-foot ceilings. A 12×10-foot room (120 sq ft) needs approximately 1,200 watts. A 15×15-foot room (225 sq ft) needs about 2,250 watts — requiring two units. Poor insulation or cold climates increase the requirement by 30–50%.

Data sources:EIA (US)Ofgem (UK)Last verified: July 2026
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