IoTTools

Battery Charge Time Calculator

Estimate the time required to charge a battery from a given charge current. Supports Li-Ion, NiMH, and lead-acid chemistries.


Inputs

Typical: 3.7 V (Li-Ion), 1.2 V (NiMH), 12 V (Lead-Acid).

Typical: 500 mA (USB), 1000 mA (TP4056), 2000 mA (fast charge).

Typical: 80–90% for linear chargers, 90–95% for switching chargers.

Most Li-Ion chargers charge to 80% in CC mode, then switch to CV mode for the remaining 20%. Use 100% for full charge estimation.


Formula Explanation

The charge time is calculated using the battery capacity, charge current, and efficiency:

Tcharge = (Capacity × (Target% − Initial%)) / (Icharge× Efficiency)

The energy required to charge the battery is:

E (Wh) = (Capacity / 1000) × V × (Target% − Initial%) / 100

The C-rate represents the charge current relative to the battery capacity:

C-Rate = Icharge (mA) / Capacity (mAh)

Note:This calculation assumes the battery is charged in CC (Constant Current) mode. The CV (Constant Voltage) phase at the end of charging may add additional time, especially when charging above 80–90%.


Reference: Charge Time by Capacity and Current

Assuming 3.7 V Li-Ion, 85% efficiency, 20% to 80% charge.

Capacity500 mA1000 mA2000 mA
500 mAh0.7 h0.4 h0.2 h
1000 mAh1.4 h0.7 h0.4 h
2000 mAh2.8 h1.4 h0.7 h
3000 mAh4.2 h2.1 h1.1 h
5000 mAh7.1 h3.5 h1.8 h
10000 mAh14.1 h7.1 h3.5 h

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