which is better shutdown or standby..when computer is idle?

since shutdown takes huge power while start up and shutdowning the system and standby also consumes power.
for better power usage...
i want suggestion on shutdown and standby..
depending upon the time that computer sits idle..
(i.e if computer is idle for 1 hr it is better to shutdown...)

 

I would say shut down, Sometimes in standby the computer will not come out of it.