1. What is Battery Life Calculation?

The battery life calculation estimates how long a battery will last based on its capacity (mAh) and the current draw (mA) of the device it powers. This is essential for designing and selecting batteries for electronic devices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery life equation:

Where:

• \( mAh \) — Battery capacity in milliamp-hours
• \( mA \) — Current draw in milliamps

Explanation: The equation divides the total charge capacity of the battery by the current being drawn to determine how many hours the battery will last.

3. Importance of Battery Life Estimation

Details: Accurate battery life estimation helps in selecting the right battery for an application, ensuring devices operate for the required duration between charges or replacements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in mAh and current draw in mA. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors can affect actual battery life?
A: Temperature, battery age, discharge rate, and circuit efficiency can all impact actual battery life.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical maximum. Real-world results are typically 70-90% of calculated values.

Q3: Can I use this for different battery types?
A: Yes, the calculation works for any battery type (Li-ion, NiMH, alkaline) when using mAh rating.

Q4: What if my device has variable current draw?
A: Use the average current draw or calculate for different modes separately.

Q5: How do I account for battery self-discharge?
A: Add 5-20% to your calculated time depending on battery chemistry and storage conditions.