Battery Life Calculator

Estimate how long a battery lasts under a given load.

mAh
mA
Guides & Reference

How It Works

Calculates battery runtime using: Hours = Capacity (mAh) ÷ Current Draw (mA). A 2,000 mAh battery powering a 200 mA device lasts 10 hours theoretically. Real life is 70-80% of theoretical.

Formula

Life = Capacity / Load

Quick Reference

Common calculations — results you can verify instantly.

3000mAh, 100mA device

3000/100

30 hours (theoretical)

5000mAh, 500mA device

5000/500×0.8

8 hours (real)

Phone: 4000mAh, 200mA avg

4000/200×0.8

~16 hours

Tips & Shortcuts

Add 20-30% buffer: real-world efficiency is never 100%.

Lithium-ion should not be discharged below 20% for longevity.

Temperature significantly affects battery life: cold reduces capacity by 20-30%.

Common Mistakes

Using theoretical capacity without efficiency factor

Real battery life is typically 70-80% of theoretical. Apply a 0.7-0.8 efficiency multiplier.

Running lithium batteries to 0% regularly

Deep discharge shortens lithium battery lifespan. Keep between 20-80% for maximum cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

A phone needs ~3,500 mAh. 10,000 × 0.8 efficiency = 8,000 effective mAh ÷ 3,500 ≈ 2.3 full charges.

Chemical reactions in batteries slow at low temperatures, reducing the effective charge capacity. Lithium-ion batteries lose ~20-30% capacity at 0°C.

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