Battery Capacity Formula:
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Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored by the battery and is typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). It represents how much current a battery can provide over a specific time period.
The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts energy stored in watt-hours to the more commonly used ampere-hours by accounting for the battery's voltage.
Details: Knowing a battery's capacity is essential for determining how long it can power a device, sizing battery banks for applications, and comparing different battery types.
Tips: Enter energy in watt-hours (Wh) and voltage in volts (V). Both values must be positive numbers. Common battery voltages include 3.7V (lithium-ion), 12V (lead-acid), etc.
Q1: What's the difference between Wh and Ah?
A: Watt-hours measure energy (power × time), while ampere-hours measure charge (current × time). Ah is more commonly used for batteries.
Q2: How do I find my battery's Wh rating?
A: Many batteries list Wh directly. If not, multiply the Ah rating by the nominal voltage.
Q3: Why does voltage matter in capacity calculation?
A: Different battery chemistries operate at different voltages, which affects how much energy they can store at a given Ah rating.
Q4: Can I compare batteries with different voltages using Ah?
A: Not directly. For accurate comparison, use Wh which accounts for both capacity and voltage.
Q5: What's a typical Ah rating for common batteries?
A: It varies widely - from 1-3Ah for AA batteries to 50-100Ah for car batteries, and much larger for industrial applications.