Home Back

12 Volt Battery Life Calculator

12V Battery Life Equation:

\[ \text{Life (hours)} = \frac{12V \times \text{Amp-hours (Ah)}}{\text{Load (Amps)}} \]

Ah
Amps

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is the 12V Battery Life Calculation?

The 12V battery life calculation estimates how long a 12-volt battery will last under a specific load. It's essential for designing power systems, emergency backups, and portable devices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery life equation:

\[ \text{Life (hours)} = \frac{12V \times \text{Amp-hours (Ah)}}{\text{Load (Amps)}} \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation calculates how many hours the battery can supply the specified current before being fully discharged.

3. Importance of Battery Life Calculation

Details: Accurate battery life estimation helps prevent power interruptions, ensures proper system design, and allows for appropriate battery sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in Ah and load current in Amps. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculation assumes 100% efficiency and complete discharge (real-world results may vary).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all battery types?
A: The calculation works for lead-acid and lithium batteries, but actual performance may vary based on battery chemistry, temperature, and discharge rate.

Q2: What's a typical battery capacity?
A: Common capacities range from 1.2Ah (small SLA) to 200Ah (large deep-cycle) batteries.

Q3: Should I fully discharge my battery?
A: For lead-acid batteries, avoid discharging below 50% capacity to prolong battery life. Lithium batteries can typically handle deeper discharges.

Q4: How does temperature affect battery life?
A: Cold temperatures reduce available capacity, while high temperatures can shorten overall battery lifespan.

Q5: What if my load varies?
A: For variable loads, calculate average current draw or use worst-case scenario for conservative estimates.

12 Volt Battery Life Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025