The average adult human brain operates on approximately 12 watts of power.
Understanding Brain Power Consumption
When we talk about "brain wattage," we are referring to the amount of electrical power the brain consumes. Despite being a relatively small part of the body by weight, the brain is a remarkably energy-intensive organ. However, when compared to modern electronic devices performing complex computations, the human brain is exceptionally efficient in its power usage.
According to available information, the adult human brain requires only about 12 watts to function continuously, whether a person is awake or asleep. This continuous operation highlights the brain's constant activity, managing everything from basic life support to complex thought processes.
Brain Power Compared to Electronics
To put the brain's 12-watt consumption into perspective, consider the power draw of typical computing devices:
- Adult Human Brain: ~12 watts (runs continuously)
- Laptop Computer: Around 60 watts
- Typical Desktop Computer: Around 175 watts
This comparison demonstrates that the human brain is very energy-efficient, often described as "very 'green'," especially given the complexity and scale of the tasks it performs non-stop. Its low power demand is a key factor in human biology.
