144 microwave cells — three minutes at 700 W is 2:06 at 1000 W

700 W · 3:00

• 500 W4:12 · ×1.4
• 600 W3:30 · ×1.167
• 700 W3:00 · ×1
• 750 W2:48 · ×0.933
• 800 W2:38 · ×0.875
• 900 W2:20 · ×0.778
• 1000 W2:06 · ×0.7
• 1100 W1:55 · ×0.636
• 1200 W1:45 · ×0.583
• 1300 W1:37 · ×0.538
• 1500 W1:24 · ×0.467
• 1700 W1:14 · ×0.412

It is an inverse proportion

New time = old time × (old wattage ÷ new wattage). Three minutes at 700 W becomes 3 × 700 ÷ 1000 = 2:06 at 1000 W. More power means less time, and when the two wattages match the multiplier is one and nothing changes.

Where to find your own wattage

Look at the plate inside the door or on the back. Careful, though: two numbers may be printed there. Input power and cooking output are different, and the one to use is the **cooking output**. A unit drawing 1400 W often cooks at 900 W — the input figure is usually the larger one.

The energy matches, the evenness may not

This conversion only matches the energy delivered. Higher power packs that energy into a shorter burst, so the outside heats first while the middle lags. Splitting the converted time in half and stirring between the two runs works better — especially for liquids and thick pieces.

Not the same as turning the power level down

A household microwave cannot really dial its power down; it switches full power on and off to average it out. So “50 % for four minutes” and “100 % for two” deliver the same energy but not the same result — the first leaves time between bursts for heat to spread inward. This table converts between ovens, not between power levels.

Check in short bursts

The converted time is a starting point. The amount of food, its starting temperature and the dish all shift what is actually needed, so stop at about eighty per cent of the calculated time, check, and add short bursts if it needs them. Overcooking cannot be undone.

Wattage on the packet 500 W

Wattage on the packet 600 W

Wattage on the packet 700 W

Wattage on the packet 750 W

Wattage on the packet 800 W

Wattage on the packet 900 W

Wattage on the packet 1000 W

Wattage on the packet 1100 W

Wattage on the packet 1200 W

Wattage on the packet 1300 W

Wattage on the packet 1500 W

Wattage on the packet 1700 W

How to read this

• New time = old time × (old wattage ÷ new wattage).
• When the two wattages match, the multiplier is one and the time stands.
• Use the cooking output on the plate, not the input power.
• Check at about eighty per cent of the calculated time and add short bursts.