What is the standard battery capacity?
There is no single standard battery capacity; it varies by device, chemistry, and use case.
Battery capacity is a measure of energy stored in a cell or pack, typically expressed in milliampere-hours (mAh) for smaller items or watt-hours (Wh) for larger packs. Because devices use different voltages and power management, the "standard" capacity differs by application, from tiny coin cells to electric-vehicle packs. This article explains what capacity means and shows typical ranges for common sizes as of 2024–2025.
Common sizes and typical capacities
These figures cover widely used sizes for consumer electronics and show typical capacity ranges under common conditions. Actual values vary by brand, chemistry, and discharge rate.
- Coin/button cells (for example CR2032) – about 200–230 mAh at 3.0 V, though energy delivered depends on discharge rate and temperature.
- AA alkaline – typically around 2,000–3,000 mAh at very low drains; practical energy reduces at higher drains or cold temperatures.
- AA NiMH rechargeable – commonly 1,500–2,800 mAh; about 2,000 mAh is typical for many standard cells.
- AAA NiMH rechargeable – roughly 600–1,000 mAh; most devices using AAA rely on ~700–900 mAh cells.
- Li-ion 18650 cylindrical cells – commonly 2,500–3,500 mAh; high-end variants can reach ~4,000 mAh.
- Li-ion 21700 cylindrical cells – typically 3,000–5,000 mAh, with some high-drain cells exceeding 5,000 mAh.
- Smartphone battery packs – typically 3,000–6,000 mAh for modern devices; high-end phones may push beyond 6,000 mAh.
- Laptop battery packs – usually 40–100 Wh; equivalently, around 3,000–8,000 mAh at typical laptop voltages.
- Electric-vehicle (EV) battery packs – commonly 50–100 kWh for standard passenger cars; some configurations reach 150–200 kWh or more.
Note: These ranges are approximate and depend on discharge rate, temperature, and manufacturer. For comparing energy content across devices, Wh is often a more universal metric than mAh, because Wh incorporates voltage.
How capacity is measured and why it matters
Capacity is not a fixed predictor of runtime. Real-world performance depends on drain rate, device efficiency, thermal conditions, and how power management is implemented. Manufacturers advertise capacities under standard test conditions, but actual use varies.
- mAh vs Wh: mAh measures charge at a cell’s nominal voltage, while Wh expresses energy content by combining voltage and charge. Wh is often a better basis for comparing packs with different chemistries.
- Voltage matters: A 3.7 V Li-ion cell rated at 3,000 mAh stores about 11.1 Wh; higher-voltage packs can store more energy with similar mAh.
In practice, the most relevant figure depends on the device. For small devices, mAh is a convenient shorthand; for larger packs and cross-chemistry comparisons, Wh provides a clearer picture of total energy.
Choosing capacity for your needs
Deciding how much capacity to choose comes down to how you use the device, how heavy you’re willing to tolerate, and how quickly you’re able to recharge. Higher capacity typically means longer runtimes but more weight and cost; efficient power management can often deliver longer life without adding much weight.
When shopping, focus on realistic use cases and consider how often you can recharge. For smartphones, a battery that lasts a full day is common; for laptops, many users aim for a pack that lasts 6–10 hours of typical use. For EVs, real-world range under typical driving conditions matters more than raw pack size alone.
Summary
No universal standard governs battery capacity. Capacities span from a few hundred mAh in tiny cells to tens or hundreds of kWh in large packs. When comparing batteries, use Wh to understand energy content across chemistries and device types, and bear in mind that actual runtime depends on usage, temperature, and power management.
Is 20,000 mAh a lot of power?
Power Bank Capacity Explained
The higher the mAh, the more charge cycles a device can provide before needing a recharge. A 20,000mAh power bank, for instance, can recharge smaller devices multiple times, making it a popular choice for extended trips off the grid or high-demand use.
Is 77% battery health bad on iPhone?
iPhone battery's maximum capacity
It starts out at 100% (or just under), and as the battery ages, capacity decreases, which means you get fewer hours between charges. If the number you see under Maximum Capacity is more than 80%, you have a healthy battery, according to Apple.
What is the typical battery capacity?
2. Typical battery capacity: The average battery capacity under the battery manufacturer's specified charging and discharging conditions. For example:Mi 10 battery introduction :4780 mAh(TYP) / 4680 mAh(min),4680 mAh is the lowest battery capacity (rated battery capacity), 4780mAh is the typical battery capacity.
How long does a 5000mAh battery last?
A 5000mAh battery typically lasts anywhere from one full day of moderate use to over two days on standby. The actual duration depends heavily on factors like usage habits, screen brightness, and device type. For power-intensive tasks like gaming or streaming, expect it to last about 4 to 6 hours.
Usage-based estimates
- Standby mode: Can last for 2–3 days or more.
- Moderate use (browsing, texting): Usually lasts a full day.
- Heavy use (gaming, video streaming): Around 4–6 hours.
- Tablets with moderate use: Around 7–8 hours.
Factors that affect battery life
- Screen brightness: A brighter screen is a major power drain.
- Background apps: Apps running in the background consume power, so closing them when not in use helps.
- Signal strength: A weak cellular or Wi-Fi signal forces the device to work harder to maintain a connection.
- Temperature: Extreme hot or cold temperatures can negatively impact performance.
- Battery health: Over time, a battery's capacity diminishes, leading to shorter life.
