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Battery Capacity Formula:
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Battery capacity is a measure of the energy stored in a battery, typically expressed in watt-hours (Wh). It represents the amount of energy a battery can deliver over time and is calculated by multiplying the battery's amp-hour (Ah) rating by its voltage (V).
The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts the electrical charge capacity (Ah) to energy capacity (Wh) by accounting for the battery's voltage.
Details: Calculating battery capacity is essential for determining how long a battery will power a device, sizing batteries for specific applications, and comparing different battery technologies.
Tips: Enter the battery's amp-hour rating and voltage. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the energy capacity in watt-hours.
Q1: What's the difference between Ah and Wh?
A: Amp-hours (Ah) measure electrical charge, while watt-hours (Wh) measure energy. Wh accounts for both voltage and current, providing a more complete picture of battery capacity.
Q2: Why is voltage important in capacity calculation?
A: Voltage determines the electrical potential; higher voltage means more energy per unit of charge, which is why Wh is a better measure of total energy capacity than Ah alone.
Q3: Can I use this for all battery types?
A: Yes, this formula works for any battery type (Li-ion, Lead-acid, NiMH, etc.) as long as you know the Ah rating and nominal voltage.
Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides the theoretical maximum capacity. Actual usable capacity may be less due to discharge rates, temperature, and battery age.
Q5: How do I convert Wh to runtime?
A: Divide the Wh rating by your device's power consumption in watts to estimate runtime in hours.