Battery Capacity Formula:
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Battery capacity measures how much energy a battery can store, typically expressed in milliampere-hours (mAh). For laptops, it determines how long the device can run on battery power.
The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours (energy) to mAh (charge) by accounting for the battery voltage.
Details: Knowing battery capacity helps compare laptop models, estimate runtime, and determine when a battery needs replacement due to capacity degradation.
Tips: Enter the laptop's typical runtime on battery, its average power draw (often found in specifications or measured with a wattmeter), and the battery voltage (usually 11.1V or 14.8V for laptops).
Q1: Why convert to mAh instead of Wh?
A: While watt-hours (Wh) measure energy, mAh is the standard unit printed on batteries and easier for consumers to understand.
Q2: What's a typical laptop battery capacity?
A: Most laptops have batteries between 2,000-6,000 mAh, with gaming laptops often exceeding 8,000 mAh.
Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but actual capacity may vary due to battery age, temperature, and power management settings.
Q4: Can I use this for other devices?
A: Yes, the formula works for any DC device if you know its power consumption and battery voltage.
Q5: Why does my laptop show less capacity than rated?
A: Batteries degrade over time, typically losing 20% capacity after 300-500 charge cycles.