Estimating a lithium battery’s run time

Estimating a lithium battery’s run time

Ah, you finally got that drone built and you are ready for a battery. It’s been a long work in progress, and you can’t wait to get this baby in the air! Every detail has been perfected, and it’s ready to go.

You still need to estimate run time to choose the right battery. Well, here’s the good news! It doesn’t have to be tricky, here’s a quick battery math hack that’ll give you accurate results for your new drone!

Using the average amp draw of your setup, you can estimate the required mAh. At 5 amps, a 5000mAh battery will run for one hour.

Average amp draw/AH of battery
(AH is based on 1C and 60 minutes)

Here’s an example! Your drone pulls 100 amps on average. You’re looking for the proper capacity battery to give you 15 minutes. Here’s the math!

Runtime = 60/(Amp draw / AH)

15 = 60/(100/x)

60/15 = 100/x

4 = 100/x

100/4 = 25 Amp hours or a 25000mAh battery would provide the needed flight time.

If you’re ever not sure on any of these calculations, our team here at Maxamps would love to help you identify the best battery for your setup!