Battery Life Equation:
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The battery life equation estimates how long a laptop battery will last based on its capacity and the current draw of the laptop. It provides a theoretical maximum runtime under constant current conditions.
The calculator uses the battery life equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation divides the total available charge by the rate of consumption to determine runtime.
Details: Calculating battery life helps in selecting appropriate batteries, planning usage time, and comparing different laptop configurations.
Tips: Enter battery capacity in mAh (typically found on the battery label) and current draw in mA (may need to measure or find in specifications). Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is actual battery life often shorter than calculated?
A: Real-world factors like battery aging, temperature, power management, and varying current draw affect actual runtime.
Q2: What are typical laptop battery capacities?
A: Most laptop batteries range from 2000mAh to 6000mAh, with ultraportables typically on the lower end and workstations on the higher end.
Q3: How can I measure my laptop's current draw?
A: Use a USB power meter or check power consumption in software monitoring tools (then divide power in watts by voltage to get current).
Q4: Does screen brightness affect battery life?
A: Yes, screen brightness significantly impacts current draw - higher brightness means shorter battery life.
Q5: Should this be used for precise timing?
A: This provides an estimate. For critical applications, measure actual runtime under your specific usage conditions.