How Is Battery Capacity Measured? Understanding Ampere-Hours (Ah) and Milliampere-Hours (mAh)
Learn how battery capacity is measured using ampere-hours (Ah) and milliampere-hours (mAh) to determine a battery's energy storage and device runtime.
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Capacity in a battery is measured in ampere-hours (Ah) or milliampere-hours (mAh), indicating how much current a battery can supply for a specific period. To understand the capacity of a battery, look for the Ah/mAh rating. This figure represents the amount of energy the battery can store and deliver to a device. For instance, a battery with a higher mAh can power a device for a longer time compared to one with a lower mAh, assuming both devices draw the same amount of power.
FAQs & Answers
- What does ampere-hour (Ah) mean in battery capacity? Ampere-hour (Ah) is a unit that indicates how much current a battery can supply over one hour. It measures the total charge stored in the battery.
- How does milliampere-hour (mAh) differ from ampere-hour (Ah)? Milliampere-hour (mAh) is one-thousandth of an ampere-hour (Ah). It is commonly used for smaller batteries like those in smartphones and portable devices.
- Does a higher mAh rating mean a longer battery life? Yes, a higher mAh rating generally means the battery can power a device longer, assuming the device's power consumption remains constant.