Battery Power Calculator

Convert volts and amps into real power. Check capacity, depth of discharge, and efficiency losses. Design pack configurations, then compare outcomes across scenarios fast.

Inputs

Choose a mode or leave it on Auto to compute everything possible.

V
Use nominal or measured under load for best accuracy.
A
If you enter current, runtime from Ah is estimated.
W
If power is known, current can be derived from voltage.
W
Use average power to estimate usable runtime.
Ah
Wh
If empty, energy is computed from V and Ah.
%
Usable energy = Energy × DoD × Efficiency.
%
Accounts for wiring, inverter, controller, and losses.
V
Ah
Max continuous current = Pack Ah × C-rate.
Peak limit supports short bursts, not continuous.
Reset

Example data table

These examples show typical inputs and expected outputs.

Scenario Voltage Current Capacity Efficiency DoD Load Power Power Energy Runtime
DC load on 24V bank 24 V 10 A 100 Ah 92% 80% 200 W 240 W 2400 Wh 8.83 h
12V accessory system 12 V 15 A 60 Ah 90% 70% 150 W 180 W 720 Wh 3.02 h
Pack builder (10s4p cells) 37 V 20 A 12 Ah 94% 90% 500 W 740 W 444 Wh 0.75 h
Note: Example runtime uses usable energy = Wh × DoD × Efficiency.

Formula used

  • Power: P (W) = V (V) × I (A)
  • Current: I (A) = P (W) ÷ V (V)
  • Voltage: V (V) = P (W) ÷ I (A)
  • Energy: E (Wh) = V (V) × Capacity (Ah)
  • Usable energy: Eusable = E × (DoD/100) × (Efficiency/100)
  • Runtime from power: t (h) = Eusable (Wh) ÷ Load Power (W)
  • Runtime from current: t (h) = (Capacity × DoD × Efficiency) ÷ Load Current
  • Pack builder: Vpack = Vcell × Ns, Ahpack = Ahcell × Np, Whpack = Vpack × Ahpack
  • C-rate limits: Imax = Ahpack × C, Pmax = Vpack × Imax

How to use this calculator

  1. Select a calculation mode, or keep Auto for flexible inputs.
  2. Enter any known values: voltage, current, power, capacity, or energy.
  3. Set battery type, depth of discharge, and efficiency assumptions.
  4. Optionally design a pack using cell voltage, capacity, series, and parallel.
  5. Enter average load power to estimate usable runtime more realistically.
  6. Press Calculate to see results above the form and export them.
Tip: Use measured voltage under load for better power and runtime estimates.

Power sizing for real loads

Battery power in watts describes the instantaneous demand on a pack. Use P = V × I for DC loads, and measure voltage under load because sag can reduce delivered power. For motor or inverter systems, capture average and surge values; a 300 W tool can briefly exceed 900 W at startup. Compare computed power to your device label, then add 10–20% margin for cabling and connector losses. For AC loads, use true power ratings, not just volt‑amps.

From amp‑hours to watt‑hours

Capacity in amp‑hours depends on voltage, so energy in watt‑hours is the better sizing unit. Compute E = V × Ah using nominal pack voltage or a mid‑discharge value. Example: 24 V and 100 Ah equals 2400 Wh. Two 12 V batteries in series keep 100 Ah but double energy, while parallel strings keep voltage and increase Ah. This calculator shows both Wh and kWh for reporting. Energy units simplify comparisons across different pack voltages.

Usable energy, DoD, and efficiency

Not all stored energy is available. Depth of discharge limits protect cycle life, and system efficiency accounts for conversion losses. Usable energy is Eusable = E × DoD × efficiency. For lithium packs, 80–90% DoD is common; for lead acid, 50–60% improves longevity. Inverter and controller paths often run 85–95% depending on load and wiring. Adjust these fields to match your design standard. Higher currents amplify losses, so efficiency may drop.

Runtime estimates and load profiles

Runtime is t = Eusable ÷ load power. Use average power over the duty cycle, not peak. If a fan draws 120 W for 30 minutes per hour, the average is 60 W. For current‑driven estimates, usable amp‑hours divided by load current gives a second check. Expect variation with temperature, battery age, and high discharge rates. Document assumptions with exported CSV or PDF when sharing results. When uncertain, log measurements and refine inputs iteratively.

Pack configuration and safety limits

Series and parallel design changes both voltage and current capability. Pack voltage is Vcell × Ns and capacity is Ahcell × Np. Continuous and peak C‑rates translate to current limits: Imax = Ahpack × C. Exceeding limits increases heating and voltage drop, reducing real runtime. Use the pack builder to verify that expected load current stays within continuous and peak thresholds, then iterate Ns/Np to meet power and safety targets.

FAQs

Which voltage should I enter for accurate results?

Use the voltage you expect under load. Nominal voltage works for planning, but measured operating voltage improves power and runtime estimates, especially for high currents and long cables.

Why can runtime be lower than capacity divided by current?

High discharge rates reduce effective capacity, and voltage sag triggers cutoffs sooner. Temperature, aging, and conservative depth‑of‑discharge settings also shorten usable runtime compared with a simple Ah/I calculation.

How should I choose system efficiency?

Set efficiency to reflect the conversion path. A DC load may be 95–99% including wiring, while an inverter plus controller chain is often 85–95% depending on load, quality, and installation.

What depth of discharge is typical for different chemistries?

Lithium packs commonly use 80–90% to balance life and usable energy. Lead‑acid systems often target 50–60% for better cycle life. If datasheets specify limits, follow those values.

Does adding batteries in series increase amp‑hours?

No. Series increases voltage while amp‑hours stay the same, so energy rises. Parallel increases amp‑hours at the same voltage. Use watt‑hours to compare pack sizes consistently.

How do C‑rate limits affect power capability?

C‑rate converts to current limit: Imax equals capacity in Ah times C. Staying within continuous limits reduces heating and voltage drop. Peak limits are for short bursts and should not be treated as steady operation.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.