1. What is Battery Life Calculation?

The battery life calculation estimates how long a battery will last based on its capacity (in milliamp-hours) and the current draw of the device it powers. This is essential for designing and using electronic devices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery life equation:

Where:

• \( \text{Battery Capacity} \) — The total charge capacity of the battery in milliamp-hours (mAh)
• \( \text{Load Current} \) — The current drawn by the device in milliamps (mA)

Explanation: The equation shows that battery life is directly proportional to battery capacity and inversely proportional to current draw.

3. Importance of Battery Life Estimation

Details: Accurate battery life estimation helps in selecting appropriate batteries for devices, planning usage patterns, and optimizing power consumption in electronic designs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in mAh (typically found on battery label) and load current in mA (can be measured or found in device specifications). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all battery types?
A: This provides a theoretical maximum. Real-world results may vary due to temperature, battery age, discharge rate effects, and other factors.

Q2: What if my device has variable current draw?
A: Use the average current draw for estimation, or calculate for different operating modes separately.

Q3: How does battery voltage affect this calculation?
A: The mAh rating already accounts for voltage. For watt-hour calculations, voltage would need to be considered.

Q4: Can I use this for rechargeable batteries?
A: Yes, but note that rechargeable batteries may have slightly lower actual capacity than rated, especially after many cycles.

Q5: What's a typical mAh rating for common batteries?
A: AA alkaline: ~2000-3000mAh, smartphone: 2000-5000mAh, laptop: 4000-10000mAh, car battery: ~50000-100000mAh.