Microwave Wattage Converter
Packet instructions assume a particular wattage. Enter that time and both wattages to get your cooking time.
The wattage is usually printed inside the door or on the back.
Answer
3 min 33 sec
The detail
Reheated food should be steaming hot all the way through. If it is not, put it back for another 30 seconds and check again.
Next step
Reference and detail
Finding your wattage
The wattage is usually on a sticker inside the door, on the back of the microwave or in the manual. If a microwave lists two figures, the output wattage is the smaller one.
Stir, stand and check
Microwaves heat unevenly. Stir or turn the food halfway, let it stand for a minute, then check it is steaming hot all the way through.
Questions and answers
More questions about microwave wattage
Why do two microwaves cook the same food at different speeds?
Wattage measures how much power the microwave delivers, so a higher-wattage model heats food faster than a lower-wattage one given the same time. Packet instructions are usually written for one specific wattage, which is why this converter exists.
Where do I find my microwave's wattage?
Look for a sticker inside the door or on the back of the microwave, or check the instruction manual. If two figures are listed, use the smaller one, as that is usually the actual cooking output rather than the total power drawn.
Why does food need standing time after the microwave has stopped?
Microwaves heat unevenly, leaving some parts hotter than others when the timer ends. Standing time lets the heat spread through the food, and it should be steaming hot all the way through, with no cold spots, before you eat it.
Food safety
Cooking times are a guide only. Ovens, joints and starting temperatures vary, so always check the food is cooked before serving rather than relying on the clock.
Source: Food Standards Agency, Cooking your food: cooking temperatures and times (GOV.UK) · Reviewed 2026-09-11 · Guidance version 2.0.0
Safety guidance reviewed against Food Standards Agency sources on 11 September 2026. How we calculate cooking times and safety guidance.