mAh to Wh conversion calculator

Many people encounter mAh (milliampere-hour) and Wh (watt-hour) when working with batteries or electronics. These units measure battery capacity, but they serve different purposes. Understanding their relationship is key to choosing the right battery or calculating energy usage effectively.

What Are mAh and Wh?

• mAh (Milliampere-Hour): Represents the battery’s capacity in terms of electric charge. It indicates how much current a battery can provide over a specific time, typically in hours.
• Wh (Watt-Hour): Measures the total energy a battery can deliver. It combines the charge (mAh) with the voltage (V).

Why Convert mAh to Wh?

Converting mAh to Wh helps you understand how long a device can operate or compare different batteries. Manufacturers often list capacity in mAh, but energy consumption depends on voltage, which Wh takes into account.

How to Convert mAh to Wh

To convert mAh to Wh, use this formula:

$$\text{Wh} = \frac{\text{mAh} \times \text{V}}{1000}$$

• mAh: Battery capacity in milliampere-hours.
• V: Battery voltage.
• Divide by 1000 to convert milliampere-hours to ampere-hours.

Example Calculation

Suppose you have a 3000 mAh battery with a voltage of 3.7V.

$$\text{Wh} = \frac{3000 \times 3.7}{1000} = 11.1 \, \text{Wh}$$

This battery can deliver 11.1 watt-hours of energy.

Common Scenarios for Conversion

1. Power Bank Selection: When comparing power banks, knowing the energy capacity (Wh) gives a clearer picture of how much charge they can provide.
2. Device Compatibility: Matching the energy requirements of your device with the battery’s Wh ensures optimal performance.
3. Travel Regulations: Airlines often limit batteries based on their Wh rating. Calculating Wh ensures compliance.

Key Points to Remember

• The voltage (V) is critical for accurate conversion. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Larger mAh does not always mean higher energy capacity. Voltage differences can significantly impact the Wh value.