Battery Capacity Formula:
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Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored by the battery, typically measured in amp-hours (Ah). It determines how long a battery can power a device before needing recharge.
The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts power requirements into battery capacity by accounting for the system voltage.
Details: Accurate battery capacity calculation ensures your devices have sufficient power for the required duration and helps in proper battery sizing for applications.
Tips: Enter power in watts, desired runtime in hours, and battery voltage in volts. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp-hours (Ah) measure charge capacity, while watt-hours (Wh) measure energy capacity. Wh = Ah × V.
Q2: How does battery type affect capacity?
A: Different chemistries (Li-ion, Lead-acid, etc.) have different discharge characteristics affecting usable capacity.
Q3: Should I oversize my battery?
A: Generally add 20-30% capacity to account for efficiency losses and battery aging.
Q4: How does temperature affect capacity?
A: Capacity typically decreases in cold temperatures and may increase slightly in moderate warmth.
Q5: What's the typical voltage for common batteries?
A: Lead-acid: 12V, Li-ion: 3.7V per cell (12V packs have 3-4 cells), AA/AAA: 1.5V (alkaline).