Battery Watt-Hours to Ampere-Hours
This calculator converts a battery energy rating in watt-hours (Wh) into charge capacity in ampere-hours (Ah) using a stated nominal voltage. It is a unit relationship for one operating-voltage assumption, not a battery runtime, health, charging, range, or safety model.
Method and formula
Electrical energy is voltage multiplied by charge capacity under the simplified rating relationship:
energy (Wh) = nominal voltage (V) × capacity (Ah)
Rearranging gives the implemented equation:
capacity (Ah) = energy (Wh) ÷ nominal voltage (V)
Both inputs must be finite and greater than zero. Use watt-hours, not watts, for energy. A watt is a rate of energy transfer; a watt-hour is an amount of energy.
Worked example
For a battery rated at 100 Wh and 12 V nominal:
100 Wh ÷ 12 V = 8.33 Ah
The interface displays 8.333 Ah to three decimal places. The value means that 100 Wh divided by the assumed 12 V corresponds to about 8.33 ampere-hours; it does not guarantee that the battery will deliver exactly that charge under every load and temperature.
How to interpret the result
Ampere-hours describe electric charge, while watt-hours describe energy. Two packs with the same Ah rating but different voltage can store different energy. For example, 10 Ah at 12 V corresponds ideally to 120 Wh, whereas 10 Ah at 24 V corresponds to 240 Wh.
Use the nominal voltage associated with the energy rating. Substituting a momentary fully charged or cutoff voltage can make the converted Ah value inconsistent with the manufacturer's rating method.
Electrical and battery limits
- The calculator does not predict runtime. Runtime also depends on load profile, conversion losses, discharge rate, allowable depth of discharge, temperature, ageing, battery-management limits, and voltage variation.
- Real battery voltage changes during discharge. The formula treats nominal voltage as a single representative value.
- Series and parallel pack arrangements change voltage and charge capacity differently. Confirm whether the entered ratings apply to one cell, one module, or the complete pack.
- Do not use this value to select conductors, protection devices, chargers, or thermal controls. Follow manufacturer specifications and qualified electrical guidance for battery-system design and safety.
Sources
- U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Solar Electric System Design, Operation and Installation — battery energy examples using ampere-hour rating multiplied by voltage.
- NIST Special Publication 811, Guide for the Use of the International System of Units — coherent use and expression of electrical quantities and units.
Editorial record
- Author: SoupCalc Editorial Team
- Method review: SoupCalc Electrical Engineering Review
- Last reviewed: August 10, 2026
- Review scope: Wh/V/Ah relationship, positive-input validation, nominal-voltage wording, example reproduction, and safety limits