Microwave Wattage Converter
Enter the recipe's original time and wattage, plus your microwave's wattage, to get an adjusted cooking time.
Last updated: September 5, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a 1000W recipe time to 700W?
Multiply the original time by (1000 ÷ 700) ≈ 1.43. A 5-minute recipe at 1000W needs about 7.14 minutes (7 min 9 sec) at 700W.
Why does lower wattage need more time, not less?
Wattage measures how much energy the microwave delivers per second - a lower-wattage microwave delivers less energy per second, so it takes proportionally longer to deliver the same total amount of energy (and therefore the same amount of cooking).
Is this conversion exact?
It's a close approximation based on the inverse relationship between power and time, but actual results can vary by food type, quantity, and microwave design - check food periodically rather than relying on the adjusted time alone, especially for longer cook times.
What's a typical microwave wattage?
Most home microwaves range from 600W (compact/older models) to 1200W (large, newer models), with 1000W-1100W being common for standard full-size microwaves - check the wattage printed inside the door or in the manual.
How do I convert a 700W recipe time to a 1000W microwave?
Multiply the original time by (700 ÷ 1000) = 0.7. A 5-minute recipe at 700W needs about 3.5 minutes at 1000W - going to a higher wattage always shortens the time.
Does doubling the wattage cut the cooking time exactly in half?
In theory, yes, based on the inverse power-to-time relationship this calculator uses - but in practice, very short adjusted times (especially under a minute) can undercook food unevenly, so it's worth checking doneness rather than trusting the halved time exactly.
Is 'microwave wattage converter' the same as a 'microwave cooking time calculator'?
Yes, functionally - both describe adjusting a stated cook time from one microwave's power rating to another's, which is exactly what this tool does.