1. What is Battery Life Calculation?

The battery life calculation estimates how long a battery will last based on its capacity and the current draw of the device it powers. It's essential for designing and selecting power systems for electronic devices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the battery life equation:

Where:

• Capacity — Battery capacity in milliamp-hours (mAh)
• Current Draw — Device current consumption in milliamps (mA)

Explanation: The equation divides the total charge the battery can deliver by the rate at which the device consumes current to determine runtime.

3. Importance of Battery Life Estimation

Details: Accurate battery life estimation helps in selecting appropriate batteries for applications, planning maintenance schedules, and ensuring reliable operation of portable devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter battery capacity in mAh and current draw in mA. Both values must be positive numbers. Typical battery capacities range from 100mAh (small coin cells) to 10,000mAh (large power banks).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use mAh for capacity?
A: Milliamp-hours (mAh) is a standard unit that describes how much current a battery can deliver over time, making it practical for runtime calculations.

Q2: What affects real-world battery life?
A: Temperature, discharge rate, battery age, and circuit efficiency can all impact actual battery life compared to theoretical calculations.

Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical maximum. Real-world results are typically 70-90% of calculated values due to various inefficiencies.

Q4: Can I use this for different battery types?
A: Yes, the calculation works for Li-ion, NiMH, alkaline, and other battery types as long as you use consistent units.

Q5: How do I account for intermittent usage?
A: For devices with varying current draw, calculate average current consumption over time for best estimates.