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Battery Capacity Formula:
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Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored in a battery, typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah). It indicates how much current a battery can supply over a specific period of time.
The calculator uses the battery capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: Since 1 ampere-hour equals 3600 coulombs, dividing the total coulombs by 3600 converts the charge measurement to the more practical ampere-hour unit used for battery ratings.
Details: Calculating battery capacity is essential for determining how long a battery can power a device, designing battery systems, and comparing different battery specifications for various applications.
Tips: Enter the total charge in coulombs (C). The value must be positive and greater than zero. The calculator will automatically convert to ampere-hours (Ah).
Q1: What is the difference between Ah and mAh?
A: Ampere-hour (Ah) is the standard unit, while milliampere-hour (mAh) is 1/1000 of an Ah. mAh is commonly used for smaller batteries like those in smartphones.
Q2: How is coulomb measurement obtained?
A: Coulombs can be measured using specialized equipment that tracks current flow over time, or calculated from current and time measurements.
Q3: What factors affect battery capacity?
A: Temperature, discharge rate, age, and battery chemistry all affect the actual capacity a battery can deliver in practical applications.
Q4: Why use 3600 in the conversion?
A: 3600 represents the number of seconds in an hour (60 seconds × 60 minutes), which is necessary since 1 ampere = 1 coulomb per second.
Q5: Is this calculation accurate for all battery types?
A: The calculation provides the theoretical capacity based on charge measurement, but actual usable capacity may vary depending on battery chemistry and operating conditions.