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PORTABLE POWER STATION TOOL

Portable power station
runtime calculator.

Estimate the battery capacity needed to run a refrigerator, CPAP, heated blanket, laptop, projector, or another appliance—then compare products that meet both the capacity and output requirement.

INTERACTIVE CALCULATOR

Calculate the battery size you need.

Enter the continuous wattage from the appliance label and the number of hours you want it to run. The estimate reserves 15% for AC conversion losses.

MINIMUM RECOMMENDED CAPACITY848 Wh

60W × 12 hours ÷ 0.85 efficiency

PRODUCT MATCHES5 suitable options

Sorted by the smallest capacity that clears both the runtime and rated-output requirements.

Runtime is an estimate, not a guarantee. Motor startup surge, temperature, battery age, inverter efficiency, and appliance cycling can change the result. Confirm rated and surge output before purchase.

How long will a 500Wh, 1,000Wh or 2,000Wh power station last?

AC runtime is calculated as capacity × 0.85 ÷ appliance watts. These are constant-load examples, not measured product results, and exclude recharging during use.

Estimated runtime by battery capacity (hours)
Appliance and assumed draw500 Wh1,000 Wh2,000 Wh
Router · 10 W42.5 hr85.0 hr170.0 hr
Laptop · 65 W6.5 hr13.1 hr26.2 hr
Car refrigerator · 60 W7.1 hr14.2 hr28.3 hr
Heated blanket · 80 W5.3 hr10.6 hr21.3 hr

Find the right wattage for your appliance

Separate maximum adapter output from actual draw

A laptop adapter rated at 65W may list its maximum output rather than continuous consumption. Use a measured average for your working mode when available. Add the watts of appliances running at the same time.

Convert daily fridge energy into average watts

For example, 0.48kWh per day is 480Wh ÷ 24 hours = 20W on average. Use the average for capacity planning, but check running and startup power separately for compatibility. The table uses a constant 60W example.

Small loads are sensitive to inverter idle consumption

A 10W router powered through AC may run for less time than shown because the inverter also consumes energy. DC or USB operation needs a different efficiency assumption and compatible voltage, connectors and polarity.

Read the calculation method and limitations

THE TWO NUMBERS THAT MATTER

Capacity tells you how long.
Output tells you if it runs.

01 · CAPACITY

Watt-hours (Wh)

Wh is the battery energy budget. A 60W car fridge running continuously for 12 hours consumes 720Wh before conversion losses. Because fridges cycle on and off, real use may be lower.

02 · OUTPUT

Watts (W)

Rated output must clear the device's continuous draw. Refrigerators, pumps, and tools can also need a short startup surge, so confirm the manufacturer's surge rating.

03 · HEADROOM

Efficiency and reserve

This calculator uses 85% efficiency. Add more margin for cold weather, an older battery, multiple devices, or a trip where running out of power is not acceptable.

FAQ

Runtime questions

How do I calculate portable power station runtime?

Multiply battery watt-hours by an efficiency factor, then divide by the appliance watts. WattMatch uses 0.85 for a simple AC estimate: battery Wh × 0.85 ÷ appliance W.

Why does the calculator divide by 0.85?

A power station cannot deliver every rated watt-hour through its AC inverter. The 85% assumption leaves a practical allowance for conversion losses, although actual efficiency varies by load and model.

Does rated output matter as much as capacity?

Yes. Capacity estimates how long a device may run, while rated and surge output determine whether the station can start and operate that device at all.

What size power station should I buy for a CPAP?

Check the CPAP label or adapter wattage and include the humidifier if you use it. A 40W device for 8 hours needs roughly 377Wh using the 85% assumption, before adding any safety margin.

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