Wattage refers to the total power your generator will be able to produce at once. To determine how many watts you’ll need, factor in the devices you’re looking to power. A wattage chart with a list of common household appliances and electronics can help you add up all your power needs. You don’t necessarily need a generator that can produce power for everything all at once, either. Consider when and how you will be using your generator. It’s important to note that older appliances typically need more power than what’s listed since they become less efficient over time. If a device doesn’t list watts, use the formula watts=volts x amps. You can also purchase a load tester that will help you determine the exact watts needed for individual devices if you are unsure.