Calculate accurate battery runtime using Peukert effect, depth of discharge (DoD), and series/parallel configurations. Supports lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium-ion for solar, EV, UPS, and off-grid systems.
This tool estimates the theoretical runtime of a battery under a given load by considering configuration, capacity, discharge rate, and battery chemistry.
Ideal for off-grid systems, backup power, electric vehicles, and portable electronics.
The basic formula is:
Runtime (hours) = (Total Capacity × DoD) / Load Current
Where:
- Total Capacity = Number of Batteries × Capacity per Battery × Connection Factor
- DoD = Depth of Discharge (% or Ah)
- Load Current = Load Power / Voltage (if in watts)
The accurate runtime is calculated using:
Where:
Note: For multi-battery systems, total capacity and voltage are first computed based on series/parallel configuration before applying this formula.
The Peukert effect describes how battery capacity decreases as discharge rate increases. Higher currents reduce usable capacity, especially in lead-acid batteries.
This calculator uses the Peukert equation to provide more accurate runtime estimates than simple division.
Battery connections change total voltage and capacity:
Example: Two 12V 100Ah batteries in parallel = 12V 200Ah → doubles runtime.
Depth of Discharge (DoD) is the percentage of battery capacity used during a cycle:
DoD = (Used Capacity / Total Capacity) × 100%
Always consider manufacturer recommendations for optimal battery longevity.
As batteries age, their internal resistance increases and capacity degrades:
This calculator assumes new battery conditions. For aged batteries, reduce rated capacity by 10–20% for realistic estimates.
Yes! The calculator supports all battery types, including lithium-ion:
However, always check manufacturer specs for temperature limits and charge/discharge cycles.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Connection | Select battery configuration: • Series: Voltages add, capacity unchanged • Parallel: Voltage unchanged, capacities add • Single: One battery |
| Number of Batteries | Total number of batteries in the system. |
| Voltage (V) | Nominal voltage of a single battery (e.g., 12V, 24V). |
| Capacity (Ah) | Rated capacity of a single battery in ampere-hours (Ah). |
| Load (W or A) | Power consumption of connected device: • In watts (W): suitable for most appliances • In amperes (A): when operating current is known |
| Peukert Constant (k) | Coefficient for capacity correction at different discharge rates: • Lead-Acid: 1.1–1.3 • Gel: 1.1–1.25 • Flooded: 1.2–1.5 • Lithium-Ion: 1.0–1.28 |
| Depth of Discharge (DoD) | Percentage of capacity discharged relative to full charge. • Can be entered as % or Ah • Typical values: 50% (lead-acid), 80–100% (lithium-ion) |
| Rated Discharge Time | Time (in hours) over which the rated capacity is measured (usually 20h for lead-acid). |
The calculator uses the following steps:
For DC systems, efficiency is assumed 100%. Real-world losses (wires, inverters) may reduce actual runtime by 10–20%.
This calculator adheres to IEEE standards and supports accurate battery runtime estimation in real-world applications.